Nigerian international forward Olanrewaju Kayode has completed a move to Turkish TFF First League side Esenler Erokspor, following a brief stint with Şanlıurfaspor. Kayode made the announcement on his official Instagram page, confirming his transfer to the club.
At 31 years old, Kayode joins Erokspor from Şanlıurfaspor, a club he had only been with for six months. During his time at Şanlıurfaspor, the Nigerian forward netted seven goals and provided two assists in just 15 league appearances.
In his first statement as an Erokspor player, Kayode expressed his enthusiasm about the move:
“As soon as I heard that Esenler Erokspor wanted me, I was excited about the opportunity to take on a new challenge at such a historic club. After our discussions, I was impressed by the vision of the football leadership and the role they see for me. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to bring that to this special club.”
He continued, “It’s an incredible feeling to become an Erokspor player, and I can't wait to step out onto the field in the club’s colors. I know this is an important time for the club, and everyone I've spoken to shares the same ambition to win together. I can feel the drive to achieve this.”
Erokspor, who earned promotion to the TFF First League as champions of the TFF Second League at the end of the 2023/24 season, have faced challenges in their new division. Currently sitting in the relegation zone, they are two points behind Kayode’s former club, Şanlıurfaspor. The striker will be tasked with helping the club avoid relegation and secure their league status by the end of the campaign.
This move marks Kayode’s sixth stint at a Turkish club, having previously played for Gaziantep FK, Sivasspor, Ümraniyespor, Gençlerbirliği, and Şanlıurfaspor. The experienced striker has also had stints in Côte d’Ivoire, Austria, Israel, and Ukraine throughout his career.
Kayode’s career reached a high point in August 2017 when he signed with Manchester City from Austria Vienna for a €3.8 million fee. However, despite the high-profile move, he never featured for the English side, as he was immediately loaned out to Girona.
Kayode also represented Nigeria at various youth levels, including the U17 and U20 teams, before making three appearances for the Super Eagles. His last appearance for the national team came in 2017.