Sydney FC Sign Nigerian Striker Oriola Sunday on Season-Long Loan

Posted : 17 August 2026

Sydney FC have completed the signing of Nigerian forward Oriola Sunday on a season-long loan from Japanese club RB Omiya Ardija ahead of the 2026/27 A-Leagues campaign. The 23-year-old striker could make his debut when Sydney face Southern District Raiders in the Australia Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, August 18.

Sunday arrives after building his professional career in Japan. He began with Tokushima Vortis before spending time on loan at Vanraure Hachinohe and later joining Omiya Ardija, where he played an important role in the club’s 2024 J3 League title success. The J.League also lists him as a 2024 J3 League Outstanding Player Award winner.

The Nigerian has developed into a productive attacking player during his time in Japan. Available career statistics credit him with 20 goals and 10 assists across J.League competitions, while his record at Omiya includes 15 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions according to reports surrounding the Sydney move.

Sydney coach Patrick Kisnorbo believes Sunday can provide another dimension to his attack. The Australian coach praised the striker’s pace, movement and willingness to work, while also highlighting his ability to adapt to different styles of football.

Kisnorbo also backed Sunday’s character to fit into the Sydney FC squad. He said the club had followed the forward closely and noted that Omiya had a very high opinion of the Nigerian.

Sunday is joining Sydney at an important point in the club’s preparations. The Sky Blues are still alive in the Australia Cup and are one of only two A-League clubs remaining in the competition, alongside Melbourne Victory. Their quarter-final against Southern District Raiders gives the new signing an immediate opportunity to impress before the league campaign begins.

The move also addresses a need in Sydney’s forward line. Spanish striker Victor Campuzano is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Patrick Wood has left the club for Newcastle Jets after his contract expired.

Sunday said his experience in Japan had helped him improve as a player. He described Japanese football as technical and disciplined and expressed his desire to score more goals and continue developing in Australia.

The loan gives the Nigerian another chance to establish himself outside Japan. For Sydney FC, his pace and goal threat could prove valuable as Kisnorbo prepares his squad for both the Australia Cup and the 2026/27 A-Leagues campaign.

Sydney FC Sign Nigerian Striker Oriola Sunday on Season-Long Loan

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