Nigerian defender Ibrahim Buhari has completed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Austria Wien, ending his spell with Swedish club IF Elfsborg, Boldsports report.
The 24-year-old centre-back joined on a free transfer and signed a long-term contract that runs until the summer of 2029. He will wear the club’s number three jersey and immediately link up with the first-team squad for training as preparations continue for the new season.
Buhari arrives in Austria after building a solid reputation in Sweden. Since joining IF Elfsborg from Plateau United in 2022, he made 77 appearances across all competitions and featured in six UEFA Europa League group-stage matches. His consistent displays earned him recognition as a reliable defender, while earlier invitations to the Super Eagles and involvement with Nigeria’s Under-23 side highlighted his growing profile before this latest career move.
Austria Wien identified Buhari as the replacement for departing Croatian defender Tin Plavotić. The club believes his athletic qualities and long-term potential fit their recruitment strategy.
Sporting director Tomas Zorn said:
”With Ibrahim Buhari, we’ve signed a central defender whose athleticism and physique perfectly match our requirements. As part of our planning, we thoroughly explored the market and ultimately made a conscious decision to sign Ibrahim because he possesses precisely the qualities we were looking for in our defense. At the same time, we remain true to our strategy of consistently rejuvenating our squad. We are convinced that Ibrahim is an excellent fit for Austria Vienna, both on and off the pitch, and that his qualities will enrich our team.”
Standing at 1.90 metres (6ft 3in), Buhari is known for his aerial strength, physical presence and ability to organise the back line. His first task will be adapting to life in Vienna before helping Austria Wien compete in the Austrian Bundesliga and domestic cup competitions.
Before moving to Europe, Buhari enjoyed an impressive spell with Plateau United. During the 2021/22 Nigeria Premier Football League season, he scored six league goals from central defence as the club finished runners-up and secured continental qualification.
His performances earned him a place in Nigeria squad for friendly matches against Mexico and Ecuador in 2022. Although he did not establish himself in the senior national team, he later featured in Nigeria’s Under-23 preparations.
Buhari’s move to Austria Wien marks another important step in his European career after a productive spell in Sweden. With regular football, a long-term contract until 2029, and the confidence of his new club.
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