After nearly six months of inactivity, Super Eagles forward Olanrewaju Kayode is set to return to football with Turkish side Şanlıurfaspor.
The club announced the signing of Kayode via their official channels, marking his return to a league he knows well.
Kayode, who has had previous stints with several Turkish clubs, has been out of action due to personal issues that significantly impacted his career.
Olanrewaju Kayode enmeshed in marital drama
The 31-year-old forward has been embroiled in a public dispute with his estranged wife, Ezinne, which has taken a toll on his professional life.
Kayode accused Ezinne of extra-marital affairs and conspiring with others to defraud him. Additionally, there were controversies regarding the paternity of his children.
According to Kayode, DNA tests revealed that the children were not biologically his.
He also alleged that Ezinne stole from him and sold some of his real estate assets without his consent.
These personal challenges led to a turbulent period for Kayode, culminating in his departure from his previous club, Gençlerbirliği, in March 2024.
Amid these difficulties, it was reported that Kayode filed for divorce, seeking a fresh start both personally and professionally.
New beginning for forgotten Super Eagles forward Kayode
Despite these setbacks, Kayode appears to have put his troubles behind him as he embarks on a new chapter with Şanlıurfaspor.
This move marks his fifth stint with a Turkish club, having previously played for Gaziantepspor, Sivasspor, Ümraniyespor, and Gençlerbirliği.
Kayode is well-regarded in Turkey, boasting an impressive record of 104 goals in 144 games.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk player also has four caps for the Super Eagles and has represented Nigeria at the U17, U20, and U23 levels.
