Onazi: Why Osimhen, Iheanacho are thriving in Turkey – 3 reasons

Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho and Gift Orban have taken Turkish football by storm this season, scoring goals and breaking records, and former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi believes there are clear reasons Nigerian footballers continue to enjoy success in the country.

Osimhen has scored 10 goals in 10 games for Galatasaray this season, while Iheanacho is enjoying a prolific spell with second-tier side Bursaspor after leaving Celtic.

Their performances are part of a big range of Nigerian presence in Turkish football. Paul Onuachu, Gift Orban, Wilfred Ndidi and Ibrahim Olawoyin are among the other players making their mark across the country’s divisions.

Onazi, who played for Trabzonspor between 2016 and 2020, says the connection between Nigerian footballers and Turkey is not new. He believes the country offers conditions that make it easier for them to settle and perform.

Speaking to Footy-Africa, the former Super Eagles midfielder highlighted three factors behind that relationship.

Onazi explains why Nigerians thrive in Turkey

1. A familiar environment and culture

Onazi’s first explanation is the cultural connection that helps Nigerian players adapt to life in Turkey.

“Most Nigerian transfers to Turkey have been successful because the environment and culture help Nigerians settle in and do their best,” the 33-year-old said.

He pointed to Ibrahim Olawoyin’s performances at Çaykur Rizespor as an example, describing him as one of the best midfielders in the country.

For Onazi, settling into a new country is an important part of a footballer’s transition. Players who feel comfortable away from the pitch are better placed to focus on their performances.

2. Food and weather make settling easier

The former Trabzonspor midfielder also highlighted everyday lifestyle considerations, particularly food and weather.

“There will be a few transfers in January and in the summer because Nigerians love Turkey. They love the food and the weather, which are contributing factors to any player settling down in a country,” he explained.

Although these factors might appear secondary to football, Onazi believes they influence how quickly players become comfortable in a new environment.

His argument is that adaptation extends beyond training grounds and matchdays. Feeling at home in a country can make a significant difference to a player’s experience.

3. Supporters reward commitment

The third factor is the relationship between Turkish supporters and players who give everything for their clubs.

“The supporters also give you their all as long as you give your all, so that is another positive factor,” the AFCON 2013 winner concluded.

That backing can create an encouraging atmosphere for players, particularly those arriving from abroad and looking to establish themselves. However, the same support can go sideways if the players do not do what is expected of them.

Osimhen and Iheanacho backing Onazi’s claims

Onazi also mentioned the history of Nigerian players in Turkey, mentioning Jay Jay Okocha and Uche Okechukwu alongside more recent names like Henry Onyekuru and Tony Nwakaeme.

“I am not surprised that Kelechi Iheanacho is doing great things at Bursaspor because he is a good player,” he said, adding that the striker had answered questions about his decision to leave Celtic for Turkey.

Onazi’s argument is not that Turkey guarantees success for every Nigerian footballer. Rather, he believes its culture, lifestyle and passionate supporters provide conditions that allow players to settle in quickly and play to the best of their abilities.

For Osimhen and Iheanacho, their current performances suggest they have made the most of that opportunity, while Gift Orban could become the latest Nigerian in the Super Lig as he’s a goal shy of a permanent deal to Amedspor.