Newly promoted Turkish Super Lig side Kocaelispor are on the verge of landing a significant coup with the imminent signing of Nigerian forward David Okereke, whose reputation as José Mourinho’s personal nightmare continues to grow.

After a standout 2024/25 season on loan at Gaziantep FK — where he finished as the club’s top scorer with nine goals and three assists — the 27-year-old is now set for a fresh chapter with Kocaelispor. His goals played a pivotal role in Gaziantep’s survival, guiding them to a respectable 12th-place finish.

But it was his goal against title-chasing Fenerbahce at the Ulker Stadium that stole headlines — not just for the timing, but the trivia it added to his resume. Okereke became the first Nigerian player to score against a José Mourinho team while playing for three different clubs: Venezia, Cremonese, and Gaziantep.

That knack for unsettling Mourinho’s defenses has earned him cult status among fans and a certain wariness from the Portuguese tactician himself.

While Gaziantep had the option to keep him, Turkish reports indicate they passed on the clause — opening the door for Kocaelispor, who have now reportedly struck a verbal agreement with Okereke. Final discussions are expected on Monday, according to Sportsblog247.

The club, preparing for its first season back in the top tier, plans to bolster all departments, with Okereke tipped as their marquee attacking signing.

Cremonese, who signed Okereke for €2.5 million in 2022, still hold his rights and will need to finalize a formal agreement with Kocaelispor to seal the deal. As of now, the striker is valued at €2.2 million, per Transfermarkt.

If completed, the move would not just mark Okereke’s return to the Turkish Super Lig — but hand Kocaelispor a proven goal-getter with a knack for the big stage.