Nwaiwu Says Family Are Happy in Trabzon Amid Fulham Transfer Interest

Posted : 25 August 2026

Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has played down speculation over his future at Trabzonspor, saying his family are happy in Turkey and that his immediate focus remains on football.

The 23-year-old centre-back was linked with a move to the Premier League during the summer transfer window, with Fulham and Crystal Palace reportedly showing interest. However, Nwaiwu said he remains committed to his current club and will leave any decision about his future to Trabzonspor.

“I saw the news you mentioned. But I want to focus on my football, on the game I’m playing. Besides, I already have an existing contract with Trabzonspor,” Nwaiwu said, according to reports from his post-match interview.

He added that any further decision would depend on the club, while stressing that his family are comfortable in Trabzon. “We are in Trabzon with my family and we are happy,” he said.

Nwaiwu joined Trabzonspor from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January 2026. The Turkish club agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Nigerian defender, keeping him at the club until June 2030. The Turkish Football Federation also lists his contract with Trabzonspor as running from January 7, 2026, to June 30, 2030.

His family situation has also changed since the move. Trabzonspor confirmed in May that Nwaiwu and his partner, Melissa, welcomed a baby girl named Jacinta. The defender has since spoken about building his family life in Turkey.

On the pitch, Nwaiwu has quickly become an important part of Trabzonspor’s defence. He played the full 90 minutes in the club’s 2-1 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on August 23, helping his side secure their first league win of the new campaign. He has also featured in all three of Trabzonspor’s matches so far this season.

The win over Başakşehir came through two goals from Mohamed Salah, while Eldor Shomurodov scored from the penalty spot for the visitors. Nwaiwu was booked during the second half but completed the match as Trabzonspor held on for three points.

Nwaiwu also praised Salah after the victory and welcomed the opportunity to face the Egyptian forward in training and matches. He said defenders must be fully prepared against Salah because of his quality and ability to influence games.

With a long-term contract and regular first-team football, Nwaiwu appears focused on continuing his development in Turkey. His latest comments also suggest that his settled family life in Trabzon is an important part of his current situation.

Nwaiwu Says Family Are Happy in Trabzon Amid Fulham Transfer Interest

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