Former Nigeria U-20 striker Ahmed Abdullahi has completed a permanent move to Turkish Süper Lig side Eyüpspor, bringing an end to his injury-plagued spell at Sunderland.
A source within the player’s management team told Footy-Africa that Abdullahi is delighted to finally have the opportunity to play regular first-team football at the highest level.
“Since Ahmed moved to Europe, he has not had the opportunity to enjoy consistent first-team football despite his impressive record,” the source said. “He did exceptionally well at Jong Gent, which earned him the move to Sunderland, but injuries have not been kind to him. Everyone knows he is a talented player and deserves to be playing first-team football regularly.”
Sunderland set to loan out Nigeria U-20 star Ahmed Abdullahi
“There were clubs in Belgium that monitored his progress and wanted to bring him back to the Jupiler Pro League because they knew what he was capable of from his prolific spell with Gent’s development side. However, we felt he needed a club where there would be less pressure so he could rediscover his rhythm, regain full fitness and show everyone what he can do. I am very happy for him, and I hope he stays fit and scores plenty of goals for Eyüpspor.”
The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Istanbul-based club, with the option of a further year, after leaving the Black Cats despite having two years remaining on his previous deal.
Abdullahi joined Sunderland from Belgian side Gent in August 2024 with high expectations but failed to make a competitive senior appearance after a series of injuries disrupted his progress. Although he was included in the matchday squads for Sunderland’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup ties against Huddersfield Town and Port Vale last season, he was unable to break into the first team.
Despite his injury setbacks, the former Flying Eagles striker impressed for Sunderland’s development side, scoring six goals in just seven appearances, including four goals in three Premier League 2 matches.
Hoş geldin, Ahmed Abdullahi!
Kulübümüz, Ahmed Abdullahi ile sözleşme imzalamıştır.
Ahmed Abdullahi’ye eflatun-sarılı formamız altında başarılarla dolu bir kariyer diliyor, camiamıza hoş geldin diyoruz. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/yx3M360hCy
— Eyüpspor (@eyupsporkulubu) August 4, 2026
Before moving to England, Abdullahi had established himself as one of Gent’s brightest young prospects, scoring 21 goals in 38 appearances for the Belgian club’s development team.
The Nigerian also represented his country at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, where he scored in the third-place play-off victory over Tunisia.
