12 Nigerians set for Turkish Süper Lig

Nigeria will have 12 players representing 10 clubs when the 2026/27 Turkish Süper Lig season gets underway, giving the country a strong presence in Turkey’s top flight.

The Nigerian contingent features established internationals, experienced professionals and emerging players looking to make their mark in Turkish football.

Victor Osimhen will headline the group at Galatasaray, with Wilfred Ndidi representing Beşiktaş. Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu will continue at Trabzonspor, while Chidozie Awaziem will feature for Konyaspor.

Ibrahim Olawoyin will represent Çaykur Rizespor, with Gift Orban and Yira Collins Sor at Amedspor. Oghenekaro Etebo will line up for Gençlerbirliği, while Victor Gidado, Ahmed Abdullahi and Anthony Dennis will represent Gaziantep, Eyüpspor and Göztepe respectively.

The 12 players will therefore be spread across 10 clubs as the new Turkish season begins.

Osimhen leads the Nigerian contingent

Osimhen remains one of the biggest Nigerian names in the Turkish top flight after establishing himself as a key figure at Galatasaray.

The Super Eagles striker made a major impact during his first season in Turkey and has since become an important part of the Galatasaray setup.

Reflecting on his experience at the club, Osimhen said: “It was beautiful, you know. This is where I want to go, and where I want to be.”

The forward’s continued presence in Turkey gives the Nigerian contingent one of the league’s biggest stars, but the new season will also provide an opportunity for the other players to build their own stories.

Ndidi brings considerable experience to Beşiktaş, while Onuachu will begin another campaign with Trabzonspor after establishing himself as one of the league’s leading Nigerian forwards.

A growing Nigerian presence in Turkish Süper Lig

The Nigerian representation extends beyond the established internationals.

Awaziem and Etebo bring significant experience, while players such as Orban, Dennis, Gidado and Abdullahi will be looking to further establish themselves in Turkish football.

Orban will continue his career with Amedspor, where he will be joined by fellow Nigerian Yira Collins Sor.

The presence of two Nigerians at both Trabzonspor and Amedspor further underlines the growing Nigerian footprint in the league.

For the players, however, the numbers will matter less than what they produce on the pitch.

Osimhen will be expected to contribute goals and help Galatasaray compete for another league title, while Ndidi will bring his experience to Beşiktaş.

Onuachu and Nwaiwu will have the opportunity to make an impact at Trabzonspor, while the other Nigerians will be looking to earn regular playing time and establish themselves in their respective teams.

A platform for Nigerian talent

The Turkish Süper Lig has become an important destination for Nigerian footballers seeking opportunities in European football.

The league provides a competitive environment where established players can continue to perform at a high level, while younger footballers can gain experience and exposure.

For Nigeria, having 12 players across 10 clubs also creates another pool of talent competing regularly in European football.

Their performances could place them in contention for future national-team opportunities while giving Nigerian football a strong presence throughout the Turkish top flight.

The 2026/27 season will ultimately be judged by what the players achieve on the pitch.

But with 12 Nigerians representing 10 clubs, there will be plenty of reason for Nigerian supporters to follow the Turkish Süper Lig this season.

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