Analysis: The Fuss Over Nigerian Players Rush To The Turkish League

Naij.com takes an in-depth look at the rush of Nigerian players to the Turkish League. This analysis is to appraise the reasons and long term gains that could come from the Turkish League dominance by Nigerian players.

Nigerian Footballers in Turkey

The latest career destination for Nigerian players is Turkey. Of course, a former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo played for Fenerbahce in Turkey, and another Nigerian forward, Emmanuel Emenike has just left the league on loan to Dubai.

An active player, Godfrey Oboabona is still a player of Rizespor Football club in the top flight of the Turkish League.

As a sports journalist, whenever I interview upcoming and even professional Nigerian football players, they all want to play in Europe with England as their first choice. Unfortunately the rules of the English premiership require at least 75% appearance for the national team unless you join from the club’s Academy.

Why the Turkish League?

Every player who wanst to play abroad would rather go to a place they can earn more and also get regular play-time.

Turkey is developing their league and putting a lot of money into it. It is becoming more competitive like top leagues in Europe. That is why they are spending a lot of money on top players like Nani, Van Persie, Felipe, Melo, Cardoso amongst others.

The league pays so well many players earn a lot of money for their services. Players also have the advantage of playing in the UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious competition in the world.

READ ALSO: Misfiring Emenike Escapes Death In Turkey, Recounts Ordeal

Popularity and Followership

If any of the Turkish teams make it to the top three at the end of the league season they will have to fight for a slot for continental tournaments at the UEFA level.

Unfortunately, the Turkish league lacks viewers and followers in Nigeria and the players are less likely to be seen live in action by Nigerians, who will be left to read about their favourite players in the dailies.

“Something fast should be done about the Turkish league; players from England are going there and I wish to watch them play our Nigerian players,” Mohammed Kareem told NAIJ.com.

The game should be brought on live TV to terrestial TV stations, one of the challenges facing Nigeria.

Latest signings in Turkey

Recently the Super Eagles player Nnamdi Oduamadi signed for Sanliurfaspor on a season-long loan deal from AC Milan, while Kenneth Omeruo also signed for Kasimpasa on a season long deal from Chelsea.

The 2013 African Cup of Nations hero Sunday Mba also joined a second-tier Turkish club Yeni Malatyaspor from CA Bastia in France. The U20 Flying Eagles Team captain, Musa Mohammed signed for Istanbul Basaksehir FK in this transfer window

The former Nigerian player, Simon Zenke played for Sanliurfaspor last season before moving to Kardemir Karakukspor in the same league.

Clubs in the lower leagues also have a lot Nigerian footballers playing for them.

 

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