Official: Former Nigeria Golden Eaglets star banned by FIFA leaves Bologna for Cittadella

With a statement on their official website, Serie B side AS Cittadella have confirmed the return of Nigerian forward Orji Okwonkwo, who rejoins the club on loan from Bologna, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old striker previously represented Cittadella during the 2021/22 season, where he made a notable impact with 20 appearances and eight goals.

Okwonkwo spent the first half of the season on loan at Reggiana, and featured in ten games.

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The Nigerian forward's professional journey began in 2016 when he joined Serie A club Bologna after impressing in Nigeria’s 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning squad.

He made his Serie A debut on November 20, 2016, in a 3-1 victory over Palermo. A year later, Okwonkwo registered his first Serie A goal, striking against Sassuolo in September 2017.

After struggling to build on his early promise at Bologna, he moved to the MLS, signing with Montreal Impact on loan.

Across his spell with the Canadian club, Okwonkwo amassed 44 appearances and scored 10 goals, earning praise for his pace and power. 

However, his career faced a major setback in June 2022, when NADO Italia handed Okwonkwo a four-year ban after he tested positive for the banned substance clostebol during his loan at Cittadella.

FIFA extended the ban globally, limiting his participation in football activities. In a subsequent appeal, the ban was reduced to two years, making him eligible to return to action by February 2024.

Okwonkwo's return to Cittadella presents another chance for the forward to rebuild his career at a club where he has previously thrived.

Cittadella fans will hope that Okwonkwo can rediscover his best form and provide the goals needed to strengthen their Serie B campaign.