24-Year-Old Defensive Midfielder/Centre-Back Signs as Free Agent – A Major Boost for Trendyol 1. Lig Club.

Joseph Okoro Serikspor

Big news for Nigerian talent in Europe! Joseph Okoro, the 24-year-old defensive midfielder and centre-back (born February 17, 2001), has officially joined Serikspor in Turkey’s second-tier Trendyol 1. Lig. The Antalya-based club confirmed the 1.5-year contract on January 8, 2026, with Okoro arriving as a free agent in early January.

Standing at an imposing 1.90m, Okoro is a physical monster built for battles in midfield and defense. His career has taken him across Europe, with stints in Ukraine (youth with Dynamo Kyiv), Russia, Belarus (Dinamo Minsk), and Israel (Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv), plus valuable experience in high-level competitions like the UEFA Conference League and AFC Champions League.

This signing forms part of Serikspor’s strong winter recruitment drive, joining fellow Nigerian Raymond Adeola (a versatile forward/winger with proven goal contributions) in what promises to be a dynamic Nigerian duo. Okoro’s arrival delivers a significant upgrade in defensive solidity, physicality, and experience for the club as they aim for a successful second half of the 2025/26 season.

Serikspor fans are buzzing about the addition of this battle-ready Nigerian talent. With his elite defensive nous and versatility (holding midfielder or centre-back), he’s perfectly suited to thrive in the competitive Turkish second division.

Welcome to Turkey, Joseph Okoro – time to show why you’re called a beast. Get ready to dominate the midfield and help Serikspor climb the table.