Nigeria defender Benjamin Tanimu has completed a permanent move to Moroccan top-flight side Maghreb de Fès, penning a three-year deal after parting ways with relegated English club Crawley Town, Footynaija.com reports.
The 22-year-old, who has earned three caps for the Super Eagles, underwent a medical earlier this week before finalising the switch. His departure from Crawley comes less than a year after joining the English outfit in September 2024 for a reported fee of 2.3 billion Tanzanian shillings.
TANIMU MOVES TO MOROCCO
Crawley Town Football Club can confirm that defender Benjamin Tanimu has joined Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.#TownTeamTogether pic.twitter.com/s0tWAP9SS0
— Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) July 4, 2025
He made just one appearance for the club — a late substitute outing in a 4-1 defeat to Reading in October.
Born in Benin City, Tanimu began his senior career with Bendel Insurance in 2018, before moving to Tanzanian Premier League side Singida Black Stars. His promising performances in East Africa earned him a move to England, though his time at Crawley was short-lived following the club’s demotion to League Two.
Tanimu’s international breakthrough came under former Super Eagles manager Finidi George, who handed him his debut in a 2-1 friendly win against Ghana in March 2024. The centre-back featured in two subsequent World Cup qualifiers but has not received another call-up since Finidi’s exit.
New Nigeria coach Eric Chelle appears to be looking elsewhere, but Tanimu remains hopeful his performances in Morocco will reignite interest at international level.
Maghreb de Fès will be banking on the Nigerian’s aerial strength, composure, and physical presence as they aim to challenge for domestic honours this season.