Former Enyimba star joins Osimhen's Turkish trail with confirmed Trabzonspor transfer

Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has officially completed a high-profile transfer to Turkish Super Lig giants Trabzonspor, joining the growing contingent of Super Eagles players making their mark in Turkey.

The deal was finalised on January 7, 2026, with Trabzonspor securing the 22-year-old center-back from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC for approximately €5.5 million, potentially rising to €9 million with performance-related bonuses.

Nwaiwu has signed a 4.5-year contract extending until June 30, 2030, with a reported guaranteed salary of €350,000 for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, increasing to €700,000 per season thereafter.

Standing at an imposing 1.93m (6'4"), Nwaiwu is known for his aerial dominance and physical strength. 

The versatile defender, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, developed his skills in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Heartland FC before winning a league title with Enyimba. 

He made the jump to European football with Wolfsberger AC in 2024 after leaving the People’s Elephant

Trabzonspor moved quickly to secure Nwaiwu following their Turkish Super Cup semi-final defeat to Galatasaray earlier this week. 

With the club's defence depleted by injuries, the former Enyimba star is expected to slot into a starting role immediately.

"𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘄𝘂 is in Trabzon!" the club announced on their official social media account.

Nwaiwu joins a strong Nigerian presence at Trabzonspor, including striker Paul Onuachu and winger Anthony Nwakaeme, which should ease his transition to Turkish football.

The transfer shows Turkey's emergence as a premier destination for Nigerian talent. 

With Victor Osimhen thriving at Galatasaray and Onuachu establishing himself in the league, Nwaiwu now has a proven blueprint for success as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his career.