Nigerian midfielder, Onuche Ogbelu has completed a move to Libyan giants Al Ittihad from Espérance, bringing an end to a successful spell in Tunisia.
The 22 year-old was heavily linked with Al Ahli Tripoli, with reports indicating that negotiations were ongoing between Esperance and Al Ahli.
It was widely reported that Al Ahli tabled an offer worth $3.5 million per season to the player.
However, Al Ittihad moved swiftly behind the scenes to hijack the transfer, reaching an agreement with Esperance and the player’s representatives. The exact transfer fee has not been made public.
Ogbelu leaves Esperance after making more than 75 appearances since joining the club on September 30, 2023.
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During his time with the Tunisian powerhouse, he won two Ligue 1 titles, a Tunisian Cup title scoring the winning goal in the 2025 final and a Super Cup title.
He also featured in the FIFA Club World Cup and came close to continental glory in the 2024 CAF Champions League, where Esperance narrowly lost to Al Ahly in the final.
A former Nigeria U-20 international, Ogbelu featured in the 2023 AFCON, where the team finished third, and at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
The midfielder began his professional career at Nasarawa United in 2022 in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
