Over a decade after missing out on a dream move to Chelsea, former Nigeria U20 star Ganiu Ogungbe has secured a fresh chapter in his football journey, joining Estonian top-flight side Tartu JK Tammeka.
Ogungbe, who shone for the Flying Eagles at the 2011 U20 AFCON and FIFA U20 World Cup, was once on Chelsea’s radar. The Blues had even offered him a four-year deal, but the move collapsed due to excessive demands from his agent. Instead, Chelsea signed his defensive partner Kenneth Omeruo, who remained with the club for years before moving to CD Leganes in 2019.
Despite the missed opportunity, Ogungbe carved out a solid career, playing in multiple countries, including Cyprus, Bahrain, Northern Cyprus, Slovenia, Estonia, Malta, and Bangladesh. The versatile 32-year-old defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, has now joined Tartu JK Tammeka, a team that finished fifth in the Estonian Meistriliiga last season.
With experience spanning clubs like Omonia Nikosia, Ethnikos, Busaiteen Club, NK Krsko, and Sheikh Russel KC, Ogungbe brings a wealth of knowledge to his new side as they aim to push for greater heights in Estonian football.
His journey is a testament to resilience—turning early career disappointment into a footballing odyssey across continents. Now, in Estonia, Ogungbe looks set to write a new chapter in his ever-evolving career.
