Turkish TFF First League club Şanlıurfaspor have promoted teenage Nigerian forward Uchenna Ogundu to the first team following Olanrewaju Kayode’s transfer to Esenler Erokspor, Soccernet.football reports.
The 18-year-old, who has impressed with his prolific form at the U19 level, is expected to step into the void left by the Super Eagles striker.
Kayode, who joined Şanlıurfaspor on a free transfer last summer, has moved to Erokspor during the mid-season transfer window.
In his six-month spell with Şanlıurfaspor, the 31-year-old made 16 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. His contributions directly accounted for nine goals, earning him recognition across the Turkish football scene.
Erokspor, promoted to the TFF First League last season as champions of the TFF Second League, have struggled in their new division, languishing in the relegation zone. Kayode will be tasked with helping the club secure their league status.
For Şanlıurfaspor, Kayode’s departure has created an opportunity for Ogundu to make his mark at the senior level. The young forward has been in scintillating form for the Şanlıurfaspor U19 team, scoring 10 goals in just eight matches.
His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and he is now set to feature in Şanlıurfaspor’s upcoming fixture against Ankaragücü, as per Urfanatik.
While filling Kayode’s shoes will be no small task, the teenager’s goal-scoring know-how at the youth level suggests he could become a vital asset for the yellow-green outfit.
Kayode, a veteran of the Turkish league with stints at Gaziantep FK, Sivasspor, and others, also boasts experience in Austria, Israel, and Ukraine. His career peaked in 2017 when he signed for Manchester City from Austria Vienna in a €3.8 million deal, although he never played for the Premier League side, spending his time on loan.
As Kayode embarks on a new challenge with Erokspor, all eyes will be on Ogundu to see if he can seize this opportunity and establish himself as a key figure for Şanlıurfaspor.