Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has expressed his opinion on the recent Nigerians’ performances abroad.
“Turkey has been good for Nigerians, even when Austin Okocha and Uche Okechukwu were there,” he said. “A lot of Nigerians have passed through Turkey and enjoyed success. Players like Henry Onyekuru, Tony Nwakaeme and myself have also done well there.”
Onazi, who represented Trabzonspor between 2016 and 2020, believes the country’s environment and culture have played an important role in helping Nigerian footballers settle in and perform.
“Most Nigerian transfers to Turkey have been successful because the environment and culture help Nigerians settle in and do their best. Look at Ibrahim Olawoyin at Rizespor. He is one of the best midfielders in the country, and there are many others.”
The former midfielder also expressed confidence in Kelechi Iheanacho’s decision to continue his career in Turkey, pointing to the forward’s performances at Bursaspor as evidence that the move is working out.
“I am not surprised that Kelechi Iheanacho is doing great things at Bursaspor because he is a good player. When he left Celtic, a lot of people questioned the move, but we can all see how well he has performed in the second division. Class is permanent, and he has shown it.”
Bursaspor lured Kelechi Iheanacho from Celtic with huge contract offer
Orban’s early impact at Amedspor has further strengthened Onazi’s argument that Turkey remains a suitable destination for Nigerian players.
“We can also look at Gift Orban and how he has started the season. This shows that the majority of transfers involving Nigerians moving to Turkey have worked out well for the reasons I mentioned earlier.”
The history of Nigerian footballers in Turkey lends weight to Onazi’s argument. Okocha starred for Fenerbahçe in the late 1990s, while Okechukwu also enjoyed success at the Istanbul club.
In more recent years, Onyekuru made his mark at Galatasaray, while Nwakaeme became a fan favourite at Trabzonspor and helped the club win the Turkish league title in 2022. Onazi also experienced Turkish football during his spell with Trabzonspor.
Their experiences, alongside the current performances of Osimhen, Onuachu and Orban, illustrate how Turkey has continued to offer Nigerian players opportunities to develop, revive their careers and establish themselves among the country’s leading performers.
Onazi believes the relationship between Nigerian footballers and Turkish clubs will continue to grow, with the country’s culture and football atmosphere likely to attract more players in the coming transfer windows.
“There will be a few transfers in January and in the summer because Nigerians love Turkey. They love the food and the weather, which are contributing factors to any player settling down in a country. The supporters also give you their all as long as you give your all, so that is another positive factor,” the former Trabzonspor midfielder added.
Football transfers can be challenging, with players often having to adapt to new environments, cultures and playing styles.
Onazi praises Iheanacho’s Celtic impact, urges club to re-sgin Nigerian forward
However, Turkey has continued to provide a favourable setting for Nigerian footballers, with Victor Osimhen, Gift Orban, Paul Onuachu and Kelechi Iheanacho offering fresh evidence of their ability to adapt and thrive in Turkish football.
Osimhen was the headline act last weekend, scoring twice as Galatasaray defeated fierce rivals Fenerbahçe 2-1 at RAMS Park on Monday.
The Super Eagles forward took his league tally to eight goals this season, underlining his importance to the defending champions and strengthening his standing among the Turkish Süper Lig’s leading forwards.
Orban, meanwhile, has made an encouraging start at Amedspor, where he is on loan from German side TSG Hoffenheim. The forward has emerged as one of the division’s notable performers, further reinforcing the growing Nigerian presence in Turkish football.
At Trabzonspor, Onuachu continues to attract attention after finishing last season with 22 league goals. Although his goals have come at a slower pace this campaign, the striker remains an important figure in the club’s attack.
There are other Nigerians making their mark in Turkey, including Ibrahim Olawoyin at Çaykur Rizespor, where he has earned recognition for his midfield performances.
Collins Sor also started well at Amedspor, but an injury has kept him on the sidelines in recent weeks. Others, including Victor Gidado at Gaziantep FK and Ahmed Abdullahi at Eyüpspor, have also been making their presence felt.
Beyond the top flight, Iheanacho has found his feet at Bursaspor in the Turkish second division. His performances have provided a timely reminder of his quality following questions about his decision to move to Turkey after leaving Celtic.
