Super Eagles star Nwakaeme rejects Turkish clubs after Trabzonspor exit: Real reason revealed

Anthony Nwakaeme has once again shown why he remains easily the most loved foreign player in Trabzonspor’s history, Afrik-Foot reports.

This comes after the Nigeria international reportedly rejected offers from other Turkish Super Lig clubs following the expiration of his contract.

The 37-year-old Nigerian forward recently became a free agent after failing to agree on a new deal with the Turkish Cup winners. Although several Super Lig clubs were interested in signing the experienced attacker, reports in Türkiye say Nwakaeme made it clear that he has no intention of playing against Trabzonspor.

According to reports, the former Super Eagles winger told interested clubs:

“I would never consider playing against Trabzonspor in the Super Lig.”

The main reason a new contract could not be agreed was Trabzonspor’s squad planning and the Turkish league’s foreign player quota, which forced the club to make difficult decisions despite Nwakaeme’s importance to the team.

As a result, the veteran attacker is now expected to continue his career outside Türkiye if he decides to keep playing. While several clubs abroad are believed to be monitoring his situation, no official announcement has been made about his next destination.

Nwakaeme: A Trabzonspor legend in Turkey

Nwakaeme leaves behind one of the greatest legacies by a foreign player in Trabzonspor’s history. Across two spells with the club between 2018 and 2022 and again from 2024 to 2026, he became a symbol of success, leadership and loyalty.

His finest campaign came during the 2021-22 season when he scored 13 league goals and provided 10 assists to help Trabzonspor win their first Turkish Super Lig title since 1984, ending a painful 38-year wait for the championship.

During his six seasons with the club, Nwakaeme won every major domestic trophy available. He lifted the Super Lig title, two Turkish Cups in the 2019-20 and 2025-26 seasons, and the Turkish Super Cup in 2020-21. He also became the highest-scoring Nigerian in Trabzonspor’s history with 50 goals in 193 appearances.

His influence stretched beyond statistics. In 2021, supporters honoured him with a life-sized bronze statue in the city of Trabzon, a rare tribute that shows just how deeply he had connected with the fans. Even after returning from a two-year spell at Saudi Arabian club Al-Fayha in 2024, he continued to provide leadership in the dressing room despite missing several months through injury before helping the club lift another Turkish Cup in May.

Trabzonspor are also believed to have offered Nwakaeme a future scouting and administrative role because of his experience and strong relationship with the club. However, the Nigerian appears determined to continue playing for at least another season before considering retirement.