Red Star Belgrade have officially announced the signing of Super Eagles centre-back Franklin Tebo Uchenna marking his arrival on an initial three year contract that could extend to 2029 under the clubโs option.
At 25 years old, Uchenna brings a wealth of European experience, having joined from Nasarawa United and spent time at Swedenโs BK Hรคcken before starring in Norway, where he earned Sarpsborgโs Player of the Year award in 2023 after 60 appearances and five goals.
He has also featured in UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualifiers during his time at BK Hรคckenโfour appearances in the former, and two in the latter. A last-minute registration after the August 14 cut-off meant he was unavailable for Red Starโs 4โ1 win over FK Mladost Luฤani, and his participation in the upcoming Champions League play-off against Pafos is now uncertain.
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His arrival is expected to be seamless, with countryman Peter Olayinka already a key figure at the Serbian SuperLiga champions.
Editorial
We celebrate this signing as a smart blend of potential and pedigree. Uchenna’s journeyโfrom Abuja to Scandinaviaโillustrates a path often trodden by ambitious Nigerian footballers: one defined by growth, resilience, and gradual elevation through Europeโs various tiers.
His experience across Swedish and Norwegian football, capped with continental qualifiers, equips him well for Red Starโs high-stakes environment. Moments of pressure on Europeโs grand stage are no longer new to him. The challenge now is to translate that experience into consistent leadership and defensive assurance for his new side.
Thereโs also value in the shared heritage with Peter Olayinka. That familiar presence may aid Uchennaโs transition on and off the pitchโhelping him adapt swiftly to Belgradeโs demands. If he harnesses his prior success and settles quickly, we perceive him becoming a key component in both Red Starโs domestic ambitions and their European aspirations.
This move feels less like a gamble and more like a logical step forward one we believe has the capacity to flourish with the right mindset.
Did You Know?
- Red Star Belgrade, crowned European champions in 1991, remains one of Serbiaโs most dominant football clubs.
- Uchenna made his lone Super Eagles appearance during a 4โ0 friendly defeat to Mexico in July 2021, coming off the bench for the last 24 minutes.
- His signing extends his expected stay at Red Star through to 30 June 2028, with an option to continue into the 2028โ29 season.
- Nasarawa United, where Uchenna began his career, are based in Lafia and compete in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
- Champions League play-off registration cut-off dates, like the one that affected Uchennaโs debut, have often shaped early-season team selection in European football.
