Besiktas: Wilfred Ndidi’s club close in on 13-goal Nigerian wonderkid after standout Turkey trial

Turkish Süper Lig giants Beşiktaş J.K. have opened formal talks to sign highly-rated Nigerian youngster Donald Godwin from Atlantic Business FC, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Black Eagles moved quickly after the teenage forward impressed during a recent trial at the club’s BJK Nevzat Demir training complex in Istanbul.

Godwin travelled to Turkey alongside teammates Moses Kehinde and Oluwatobi Ewarawon for the assessment, but it is the young attacker who has now emerged as Beşiktaş’ priority target.

All three players have since returned to their Ogun State base, though negotiations between Beşiktaş and Godwin’s representatives are understood to be advancing rapidly, with a deal potentially close.

Godwin’s goals spark European interest

Godwin’s prolific form in Nigeria’s Creative Championship League has played a key role in attracting attention from Europe.

The youngster has scored 13 goals this season, which alerted Beşiktaş scouts, who have increasingly focused on Nigeria’s grassroots football scene for emerging talents.

If the deal is finalised, Godwin is expected to join the club’s U-19 side, which would ease his transition to European football while offering long-term development opportunities.

Ndidi influence and Nigerian connection

Ndidi joined the Istanbul club from Leicester City F.C. in August 2025 and has since become a key figure, even earning a leadership role within the squad.

His presence is believed to have strengthened ties between Beşiktaş and Nigerian football, with the midfielder widely seen as an ambassador for homegrown talent in Europe.

Beşiktaş also boast a long-standing history of working with Nigerian players, and Godwin’s expected arrival would further strengthen that relationship.

Big moment for Atlantic Business FC

The Ogun-based club, competing in Nigeria’s lower leagues, could see its reputation significantly boosted if the deal goes through — particularly in terms of talent development and international scouting visibility.

More broadly, the transfer also shows a growing trend among Turkish clubs of targeting Nigeria’s grassroots system in search of affordable, high-potential players.