Amakhosi Land Nigerian Forward Etiosa Ighodaro After Sundowns Exit
Kaizer Chiefs have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro, who joins the Glamour Boys on a free transfer after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 24-year-old touched down in Mzansi back in 2021 and has since turned out for several PSL sides, including AmaTuks, Chippa United, SuperSport United and AmaZulu — netting 25 goals in 97 appearances. His most recent stint was on loan at Usuthu, where his work rate and sharp movement kept defenders on their toes.
Unveiling the forward, Kaizer Motaung Jr. spoke with excitement about what Ighodaro brings to Naturena:
“We warmly welcome Etiosa into the Kaizer Chiefs family. We’re excited that he has joined our journey. His passion, work rate and dedication will surely add to the team this season and beyond. We look forward to creating unforgettable moments together in the Gold & Black colours of the Glamour Boys. Here’s to new beginnings and the spirit of Amakhosi.”
Ighodaro will don the #50 jersey for Chiefs this season.
Why Chiefs Won the Race
The move comes after months of uncertainty around the Nigerian’s future. Downs, who originally brought him from Abuja College in 2021, had kept him bouncing between loan spells but never fully integrated him into their star-studded frontline.
When word spread that Chiefs were ready to pounce, Masandawana tried to pull him back into the fold, promising him a real shot alongside Peter Shalulile — especially with speculation around Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s possible exit. They even tabled a new contract and explored shipping him to Tunisian giants Esperance.
But Ighodaro was done waiting. Tired of being unsettled, he turned down the fresh Sundowns offers and chose Amakhosi instead — a move that instantly raised eyebrows across Mzansi.
New Chapter in Gold & Black
For Chiefs, it’s a clear signal of intent. Amakhosi are rebuilding, and adding a hungry forward with proven PSL experience could give them the edge they’ve been lacking in the final third.
For Ighodaro, this is more than just a transfer — it’s a chance to finally settle, find consistency, and prove he belongs at the very top. Amakhosi fans will be eager to see if the Nigerian’s goals can fire the Soweto giants back to glory
