When Uchenna Ogundu boarded a plane to Turkey last summer, he was leaving behind the familiar streets of Nigeria for the unknown world of European football. Unlike the high-profile moves of Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray and Kelechi Iheanacho to Sevilla, Ogundu’s transfer to Şanlıurfaspor, a second-tier Turkish club, barely made headlines. Yet, months later, his name is now one of the most exciting in Turkish football.

A product of Nigeria’s renowned Diamond Academy, the 18-year-old arrived as an untested teenager and was initially placed in Şanlıurfaspor’s U19 squad. But Ogundu wasted no time proving himself, scoring ten goals in just eight matches. His rapid rise coincided with the departure of experienced Super Eagles forward Olanrewaju Kayode, leaving a gap in the senior team. Rather than looking elsewhere, the club placed their trust in Ogundu.

His first taste of senior football came on January 17, when he played 27 minutes in a narrow loss to Ankaragücü. His performance caught the eye of coach Sait Karafırtınalar, who gave him a starting role in the next match. Though Şanlıurfaspor lost again, Ogundu’s fearless approach hinted at his potential.

The breakthrough moment came soon after—an assist in a 1-0 win over Istanbulspor, followed by his first senior goal in a 1-1 draw against Karagümrük on February 17. But it was today’s performance against Yeni Malatyaspor that cemented his status as a player to watch.

With Şanlıurfaspor desperate for points, Ogundu rose to the occasion, scoring a well-placed header in a commanding 4-1 victory. His contribution helped lift his team out of the relegation zone, marking a new chapter in his journey.

As Şanlıurfaspor prepares to face Adanaspor, Ogundu knows the road ahead won’t be easy. But if his journey so far is any indication, this young Nigerian forward is just getting started.