Official: Super Eagles centre-back joins Peter Olayinka at Red Star Belgrade

Through official channels, 1991 European champions Red Star Belgrade have confirmed the signing of Super Eagles centre-back Franklin Tebo Uchenna.

Uchenna was a member of the Super Eagles squad that lost 4-0 to Mexico in an international friendly held in the United States in July 2021, coming off the bench for the final 24 minutes to replace Adeleke Adekunle.

The 25-year-old has signed a three-year deal with Red Star Belgrade, keeping him at the Serbian SuperLiga champions until June 30, 2028, with a club option for the 2028-2029 season.

Born in Nigeria's capital Abuja, Uchena moved to Europe from Nasarawa United, first joining Sweden’s BK Häcken. 

In 2023, he was named Sarpsborg’s Player of the Year after an impressive spell in Norway, where he made 60 appearances and scored five goals.

The defender brings European experience to the table, having made four appearances in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and two in the Europa League qualifiers during his time with former club BK Häcken.

His move was finalised too late for him to feature in Friday’s matchday squad as Red Star cruised to a 4-1 league win over FK Mladost Lučani.

The August 14 registration cut-off has left question marks over his availability for Red Star Belgrade's Champions League play-off against Pafos.

Uchenna is unlikely to face difficulties settling in at Red Star Belgrade, with fellow Nigeria international Peter Olayinka already a key figure at the Serbian giants.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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