Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has given a measured response to reports linking him with a move to Premier League side Fulham.
The 23-year-old centre-back was asked about the transfer speculation after helping Trabzonspor secure a 2-1 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Rather than confirming or denying a possible move to England, Nwaiwu made it clear that his immediate priority remains football at Trabzonspor.
“I saw the news you mentioned. However, I want to focus on my football and the game I’m playing. I already have a contract,” Nwaiwu said, according to Haber61.
Nwaiwu’s response suggests that he is not allowing the transfer reports to distract him.
The Nigerian defender remains under contract with Trabzonspor and is currently focused on his performances for the Turkish club.
His comments also avoid adding fuel to speculation that could intensify during the transfer window.
For now, Nwaiwu appears happy to leave any potential negotiations to the clubs while concentrating on his responsibilities on the pitch.
Fulham have been linked with Nwaiwu as the Premier League club looks to improve its defensive options.
The reports have attracted attention in Nigeria because Fulham already have Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey in their squad.
A potential Nwaiwu-Bassey partnership would create an interesting Nigerian connection in the Fulham defence.
However, Nwaiwu’s latest comments should not be interpreted as confirmation that such a partnership is close to becoming reality.
The defender simply acknowledged that he had seen the reports and reiterated that he has a contract with Trabzonspor.
The transfer discussion came after Nwaiwu helped Trabzonspor claim an important league victory.
Trabzonspor defeated Başakşehir 2-1, with Mohamed Salah scoring both goals for the winning side.
The Egyptian forward opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Eldor Shomurodov equalised from the penalty spot.
Salah then struck again shortly after half-time to give Trabzonspor all three points.
For Nwaiwu, the match provided another opportunity to test himself against quality opposition.
The Nigerian defender also spoke about the challenge of facing Mohamed Salah.
Nwaiwu described the Egyptian as a top-level player and acknowledged that defenders need to be fully prepared when coming up against him.
He explained that he would welcome the opportunity to face Salah but understands that stopping the forward requires complete concentration.
That assessment reflects the level of challenge Nwaiwu is facing in Turkish football, where he is gaining valuable experience against established international players.
If Fulham’s reported interest develops into a formal transfer, it could represent a significant step in Nwaiwu’s career.
The defender is still only 23 and has the opportunity to establish himself at the highest level of English football.
A move to the Premier League could also increase his exposure to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.
However, nothing in Nwaiwu’s latest comments suggests that a transfer is imminent.
His message is instead one of concentration and professionalism, he has a contract with Trabzonspor and wants to focus on playing football.
Nwaiwu’s emergence is also significant for Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles have continued to develop a group of defenders competing for international places, and the emergence of another young centre-back gives Chelle an additional option.
Calvin Bassey remains one of Nigeria’s established defensive options, while other players are also competing for places.
If Nwaiwu continues to perform consistently for Trabzonspor, his profile could continue to rise.
A move to a major European league would take that development another step forward.
For now, the Nigerian defender appears determined not to get caught up in transfer speculation.
His response was straightforward: he has seen the reports, but he has a contract and wants to concentrate on his football.
That approach allows Nwaiwu to focus on what he can control his performances for Trabzonspor.
Whether Fulham eventually make a move remains to be seen, for the moment, Nwaiwu remains a Trabzonspor player, and his latest performance against Başakşehir suggests that his attention is firmly on helping the Turkish club succeed.
If his performances continue to attract attention, however, the Fulham rumours may not disappear anytime soon.
