Super Eagles: How many Nigerian players are in Turkey’s Süper Lig?

Turkey has become a familiar destination for Nigerian footballers, with several established Super Eagles stars joined by a new generation of players ahead of the 2026/27 season, Afrik-Foot reports.

At least 12 Nigerian players are currently listed in Turkey’s Süper Lig, according to the latest Transfermarkt data, with the group spread across several clubs and positions.

While Victor Osimhen remains the biggest name and most valuable player in the group, several younger Nigerians are beginning to establish themselves in the Turkish top flight, giving Nigeria a broader presence in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Victor Osimhen leads the Nigerian contingent

Unsurprisingly, Victor Osimhen remains the biggest Nigerian name in Turkey.

The Galatasaray striker is listed by Transfermarkt as the most valuable player in the Süper Lig, with a market value of €75 million.

Osimhen has already established himself as one of the most important players in Turkish football since joining Galatasaray, and his presence gives the Nigerian contingent a genuine superstar at the top of the league.

The established Super Eagles stars

Osimhen is not the only senior Nigerian international operating at the top level in Turkey.

Wilfred Ndidi is another major name, with the midfielder continuing his career at Beşiktaş after arriving from Leicester City in 2025.

His experience in the Premier League and with the Super Eagles makes him one of the most accomplished midfielders in the Nigerian contingent.

Paul Onuachu is another established figure. The towering striker plays for Trabzonspor, where he has already built a strong reputation from his previous spell in Turkey, and he also won the Golden Boot award last season after scoring 22 goals.

Chidozie Awaziem is also back in Turkey with Konyaspor after completing his move from Nantes this summer. The defender previously played in Turkey and therefore brings considerable knowledge of the league to his return.

Together with Osimhen and Ndidi, the trio gives Nigeria an experienced core in the Turkish top flight.

More players beyond the biggest names

An interesting aspect of the current list is that Nigeria’s presence in the Süper Lig is no longer built exclusively around established Super Eagles stars.

Chibuike Nwaiwu is one of the most exciting examples. The 23-year-old centre-back joined Trabzonspor from Wolfsberger in January 2026 and quickly attracted attention with his performances. His aerial ability and defensive strength have already generated interest from clubs in England, especially Fulham.

He is now one of the most valuable Nigerian players in Turkey, according to Transfermarkt, behind only Osimhen.

Anthony Dennis has also become an important part of the Nigerian presence after establishing himself at Göztepe.

Ibrahim Olawoyin has similarly carved out a place at Çaykur Rizespor, while Ahmed Abdullahi is among the younger Nigerian forwards on the list with Eyüpspor.

Victor Gidado, meanwhile, is another emerging talent. The attacking midfielder joined Gaziantep after previously playing in Slovenia, giving him another platform to develop his career in European football.

Gift Orban adds another dynamic

One of the most notable additions to the Nigerian contingent in Turkiye this summer is Gift Orban.

The forward joined newly promoted Amedspor on loan from Hoffenheim for the 2026/27 season, with the deal including an option for the Turkish club to make the transfer permanent.

Orban arrives in Turkey at a crucial stage of his career. After a difficult period involving moves between France, Germany and Italy, the Süper Lig offers him an opportunity to establish himself again and potentially return to the level that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers.

He’s joined by Yira Sor, who just joined from Genk on a three-year deal.

Who are the 12 Nigerians?

The current Transfermarkt list for the 2026/27 Süper Lig season includes:

• Victor Osimhen — Galatasaray
• Chibuike Nwaiwu — Trabzonspor
• Wilfred Ndidi — Beşiktaş
• Anthony Dennis — Göztepe
• Gift Orban — Amedspor
• Paul Onuachu — Trabzonspor
• Chidozie Awaziem — Konyaspor
• Ibrahim Olawoyin — Çaykur Rizespor
• Ahmed Abdullahi — Eyüpspor
• Victor Gidado — Gaziantep FK
• Peter Etebo — Gençlerbirliği
• Yira Sor — Amedspor

That makes 12 Nigerian players in the Turkish top flight based on the current 2026/27 player pool. The list, however, should not be confused with a list of current Super Eagles players.

Some, such as Osimhen, Ndidi, Onuachu and Awaziem, are established internationals. Others are fringe or emerging players who are yet to become regular or to have debuted for the three-time African Champions.

Turkey offers a competitive European environment while often providing Nigerian players with more realistic opportunities for first-team football than some of Europe’s biggest leagues.

That explains why the country continues to attract players at different stages of their careers. Osimhen is there as one of European football’s elite strikers while Ndidi and Onuachu are established internationals looking to maintain their careers at a high level.

Nwaiwu, Dennis, Olawoyin and the younger players are using the league as a platform to establish themselves. Orban, meanwhile, is attempting to rebuild his career.