Super Eagles star’s family key factor in decision to shun Fulham, Crystal Palace

Super Eagles and Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has revealed that his family is settled and happy in Turkey, waving away any potential move abroad this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 23-year-old defender was linked with a move to the Premier League, with Fulham reaching an agreement on personal terms with him before talks with Trabzonspor stalled over the transfer fee. Crystal Palace also entered the race later in the window.

But Nwaiwu’s latest comments suggest that the situation is about more than football and money. His family has built a life in Trabzon, while the defender has also established himself as an important player at the Turkish club.

Trabzonspor confirmed on 27 May that Nwaiwu and his partner, Melissa, had welcomed a daughter. That change in his personal life has added another factor to a decision that looked much simpler earlier in the summer.

Super Eagles: Family happiness key to Nwaiwu’s future

Nwaiwu spoke about his situation after Trabzonspor beat Istanbul Başakşehir 2-1 in the second week of the Süper Lig season on Sunday.

Asked about the transfer reports, he made it clear that he had seen the stories but did not want them to affect his football.

“I saw the news you mentioned. However, I want to focus on my football and the game I'm playing. I already have a contract,” Nwaiwu said as per Haber61.

He then gave the clearest indication yet of why staying in Trabzon may be attractive to him.

“Last season I was not single either. I had a girlfriend and she was pregnant. This season our child was born. I am now with my child and my girlfriend. We are in Trabzon with my family and we are very happy here,” he said.

The comments do not prove that family life alone caused him to reject a Premier League move. Earlier reports said Nwaiwu had told Trabzonspor through his representatives that he preferred to continue his career in England.

Yet his latest statement adds important context. A move to Fulham or Crystal Palace would mean another major change for a young defender who has only been in Turkey since January and has recently started a family.

The football side of the decision is also significant. Fulham first offered €20m before returning with a package worth €28m, made up of €25m guaranteed and €3m in performance-related bonuses. Trabzonspor rejected both proposals and were reported to want between €30m and €35m. A done deal would have seen Nwaiwu join Super Eagles teammates Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage.

Crystal Palace later made an offer of about €30m, but Trabzonspor also rejected that proposal while holding a €35m valuation.

Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Wolfsberger AC in January 2026 and quickly became a first-team regular. He made 21 appearances in all competitions, scored three goals and helped the club win the Turkish Cup. His performances also earned him three senior Nigeria caps. His contract runs until June 2030, giving Trabzonspor strong control over his future.

There is also a new football attraction in Trabzon. Mohamed Salah is now Nwaiwu’s team-mate, and the Super Eagles defender has welcomed the challenge of facing the Egyptian in training.

Nwaiwu also played in the 2-1 win over Başakşehir and said afterwards that he was pleased with the result and his performance.