Nigerian Star Ogbelu Signs 3 Year Deal With Libyan Side, Al-Ittihad

Nigerian defensive midfielder Onuche Ogbelu has finalised a permanent transfer to Libyan Premier League side Al-Ittihad SC, the club confirmed.The 23-year-old arrives as a free agent after his contract with Tunisian giants Esperance Tunis came to an end.

Ogbelu committed his future to the Tripoli-based club by putting pen to paper on a three-year agreement.

The move marks a new chapter for the former Flying Eagles standout, who is eager to make his mark in North African football outside Tunisia.

The midfield enforcer originally joined Esperance in 2023 from Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Nasarawa United.

During his time with the “Blood and Gold,” he made 54 league appearances and found the net twice, playing a valuable role in the squad’s midfield rotation.

On the international stage, Ogbelu represented Nigeria at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations held in Egypt. He helped the Flying Eagles secure a third-place finish in the tournament.

Impressed by his performances, the national team’s coaching staff later invited him—alongside three other promising youngsters—to train with the senior Super Eagles squad as part of a post-tournament assessment.

With his physical presence and defensive discipline, Ogbelu is expected to bring fresh energy to Al-Ittihad’s engine room as the club pushes for domestic honors and a strong showing in African club competitions.