Nigerian teenage forward Uchenna Ogundu has agreed to join Turkish Super Lig side Alanyaspor on a five-year deal, rejecting offers from Scottish Premiership club Hearts and Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
The 19-year-old striker has opted to stay in Turkey to continue his rapid development, and Alanyaspor’s strategy of recruiting young talent aligns perfectly with his profile.
Ogundu’s impressive form with Şanlıurfaspor caught the attention of top-flight Turkish clubs, including Fenerbahce and Samsunspor.
Since making his senior debut in January, he has scored six goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances in the TFF First League. His pace, movement, and composure in front of goal have drawn praise, earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting young forwards to emerge from Nigeria in recent years.
The teenager’s ability to link play, finish confidently, and read the game intelligently has helped him stand out in his debut season in Turkish football.
READ MORE: See list of Nigerian players who have won FIFA Club World Cup medals
Born in 2006, Ogundu is seen as a long-term investment by Alanyaspor, who aim to build their team around young players with high potential. He will feature regularly in the Süper Lig from the 2025-2026 season, providing Alanyaspor with a promising attacking option.
Ogundu joined Şanlıurfaspor from Nigeria’s Diamond Academy in August 2023 and quickly made an impression. He made 19 appearances in the TFF 1st League last season, scoring six goals and registering two assists.
Nigerian teenage forward Uchenna Ogundu
His performances didn’t go unnoticed, with interest from top Super Lig sides including Fenerbahce and Samsunspor. European clubs such as Hull City, Sturm Graz, Fortuna Sittard, and Polish side Gornik Zabrze also tracked the teenage talent.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Alanyaspor’s enthusiasm for Ogundu’s signing stems from their view of him as a key player in their youth-driven rebuild. The move is expected to be formalized following the medical and final contract details, with fans already excited by the arrival of one of Nigeria’s most promising exports in recent years. Ogundu is set to undergo a medical on June 23 before completing the move to Alanyaspor.
Alanyaspor’s fans are eagerly awaiting his debut, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the Süper Lig. As one of Nigeria’s most exciting young forwards, Ogundu’s future looks bright, and his decision to join Alanyaspor could be a pivotal moment in his career
