Last summer saw several high-profile Nigerian transfers, with Super Eagles star and former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen moving to Galatasaray, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke joined Sevilla, Soccernet.ng reports.
Amid these blockbuster moves, Uchenna Ogundu’s transfer to Turkey flew under the radar. The teenager left Nigeria for the first time in his life to join Şanlıurfaspor, a club competing in the second tier of Turkish football, the 1. Lig.
A product of the renowned Diamond Academy in Nigeria, Ogundu embraced the challenge of moving abroad, signing his first professional contract with Şanlıurfaspor.
The club, keen on injecting Nigerian talent into their ranks, also welcomed Super Eagles forward Olanrewaju Kayode just days before Ogundu’s arrival in August 2024.
At only 18, Ogundu was initially integrated into Şanlıurfaspor’s U19 squad, while 31-year-old Kayode added firepower to the senior team.
The young forward quickly made a name for himself, terrorizing defenders with his pace, tireless running, and sharp finishing. He racked up an impressive 10 goals and two assists in just eight matches for the youth team.
While Ogundu thrived at the junior level, Kayode was equally impressive for the senior side, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in the first half of the season.
His performances attracted the attention of Erensler Erokspor, who made Şanlıurfaspor an irresistible offer in January, leading to Kayode’s departure.
Rather than seeking an external replacement, Şanlıurfaspor placed their trust in Ogundu, promoting him to the first team. He made his senior debut on January 17, coming on for the final 27 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Ankaragücü.
Coach Sait Karafırtınalar was impressed and handed him his first start in the next match against Ümraniyespor, another narrow 1-0 defeat. Despite the losses, Ogundu’s intelligent movement, relentless work rate, and technical ability stood out.
His breakthrough moment came in his third senior game against Istanbulspor, where he provided an assist for the only goal in a crucial 1-0 win.
A month after his debut, on February 17, he netted his first senior goal, a smart equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Karagümrük.
This afternoon, Ogundu continued his rise, finding the net in Şanlıurfaspor’s commanding 4-1 victory over Yeni Malatyaspor.
Zach Muscat opened the scoring in the seventh minute, firing home from close range following a corner. Ogundu doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with a well-placed header from an Ahmet Yazar cross.
Şanlıurfaspor’s momentum took a hit when Hakan Ercelik was sent off for violent conduct in the 32nd minute, but it did little to halt their dominance.
Kwasi Wriedt made it 3-0 before halftime, and Çagri Giritlioğlu added a fourth in the 79th minute. Halil Atcı netted a late consolation for Yeni Malatyaspor, but Şanlıurfaspor secured a vital three points, climbing out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Ogundu, now firmly in the spotlight, will aim to build on his strong start when Şanlıurfaspor host Adanaspor in midweek.
One thing is certain—Uchenna Ogundu is no longer an unknown quantity. However, he has plenty of work ahead if he hopes to reach the heights of compatriots like Osimhen and Iheanacho.