Libyan side Al Ittihad have announced the signing of former Flying Eagles midfielder Onuche Ogbelu from Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

Al Ittihad reportedly beat Egyptian powerhouse, Al Ahly as well as several other top African clubs to his signature.

🚨 DONE DEAL 🚨

Nigerian midfielder Onuche Ogbelu has completed a move to Libyan giants Al Ittihad from Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

A strong, intelligent presence in midfield, Ogbelu made his mark with ES Tunis in domestic and continental competitions and now takes the next… pic.twitter.com/SrpiuEzdeu

— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) February 11, 2026

The 22-year-old featured for Esperance during the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America last year.

He was part of Flying Eagles squad

Ogbelu moved to Esperance from Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Nasarawa United in 2023.

The midfielder scored twice in 45 league appearances for the Blood and Gold.

He was part of Flying Eagles squad to the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Transfer Coup: Al Ittihad Beats Al Ahly to Sign Nigerian Star Onuche Ogbelu

Libyan Premier League heavyweights Al Ittihad have officially announced the marquee signing of former Flying Eagles midfielder Onuche Ogbelu from Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

This acquisition marks a significant statement of intent from the Tripoli-based club. In a transfer window characterized by high-stakes negotiations, Al Ittihad has reportedly managed to beat Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, as well as several other top African clubs, to the 22-year-old’s signature.

For more updates on African transfer market movements, visit our African Transfer News Center.

A Major Victory Over North African Rivals

The race for Ogbelu’s services was far from a one-horse race. Reports from across the continent indicated that Al Ahly, the reigning kings of African football, had identified the Nigerian sensation as a key target to bolster their midfield engine room.

Usually, when the Cairo giants come calling, players listen. However, Al Ittihad’s ability to lure such a high-profile young talent away from the clutches of the Egyptian Red Devils demonstrates the growing financial muscle and sporting ambition of the Libyan outfit. This move is seen as a “heist” in North African football circles, signaling that the Libyan league is ready to attract top-tier talent once again.

The Rise of a Midfield General

Ogbelu’s trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. The dynamic midfielder first burst onto the scene in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with Nasarawa United. His performances in the domestic league caught the eye of scouts, leading to his move to Tunisia in 2023.

Since joining the “Blood and Gold” (Esperance), the youngster has developed into a complete midfielder. He is known for his:

• Ball-winning ability: Breaking up opposition play in the center of the park.

• Tactical intelligence: Reading the game beyond his years.

• Distribution: Launching attacks from deep positions.

During his stint in Tunis, he racked up 45 league appearances, contributing two goals. While his primary job isn’t scoring, his ability to chip in with crucial goals adds another dimension to his game.

World Stage Experience: The FIFA Club World Cup

Perhaps the most attractive aspect of Ogbelu’s profile is his recent exposure to elite global football. The 22-year-old featured for Esperance during the expanded FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States of America last year.

Competing against the best clubs from Europe and South America provided the Nigerian with invaluable experience. He tested his mettle against world-class midfields, adapting to the high intensity and speed of the modern game. Al Ittihad is not just buying a prospect; they are acquiring a player who has already tasted the highest level of club competition.

The Flying Eagles Pedigree

Ogbelu is also a product of Nigeria’s robust youth system. He was an integral part of the Flying Eagles squad (Nigeria’s U-20 national team) to the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

His time with the national team helped refine his discipline and tactical awareness, qualities that have served him well in North Africa. To understand the pipeline of talent coming from this region, read our analysis on Nigeria’s Youth Development System.

What This Means for Al Ittihad

The signing of the former Nasarawa United man is expected to reshape Al Ittihad’s midfield. The club is looking to reclaim dominance domestically and make a deeper run in CAF inter-club competitions.

By securing a player who was wanted by the continent’s biggest club, Al Ittihad has energized their fanbase. The “Teha” fans will be eager to see their new engine in action. Ogbelu brings the physical presence required for the Libyan league, combined with the technical finesse honed in Tunisia.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Tripoli to see if this transfer coup translates into silverware