Gidado Reflects on Playing Against Fenerbahce Stars in Turkey

Nigerian midfielder Victor Gidado, based in Turkey, has shared his story. He went from playing football on the streets of New Nyanya in Abuja to facing stars like Ngolo Kante and Romelu Lukaku in the Turkish Super Lig, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The 22-year-old played the entire match for Gaziantep in their 0-0 home draw with Fenerbahce on Monday. He sees this moment as proof of how far he has come in his career.

Gidado signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Gaziantep in January 2026. He joined them from Slovenian PrvaLiga side Bravo.

The Nigerian midfielder shared photos with Kante, Ake, and Guendouzi while looking back on his journey.

“A few years ago, I was playing football in the streets of New Nyanya and on some pitches in Abuja. Around those same New Nyanya streets, I would stand outside sports bars watching players like N’Golo Kante, Mason Greenwood, Romelu Lukaku, Nathan Ake, Matteo Guendouzi and the Fenerbahce players on television, wondering what it would feel like to one day play on the big stage or share the same pitch with them,” Gidado posted on X.

“Life has a funny way of turning the things you once watched from a distance into moments you get to live. I’m a testimony of God’s grace.

“From New Nyanya to Europe. From watching them on TV to competing against them on the pitch.

“For me, this is more than football. It is a reminder to everyone that where you start doesn’t determine where you finish.

“My name is Victor Ntino-Emo Gidado and my journey is still being written.”

Kante and Guendouzi have played for Fenerbahce before. Lukaku, Ake, and Greenwood joined them this summer as the club improved their team to go for the league title.

Gidado has played five matches for Gaziantep this season. He made 12 appearances after joining the club midway through last season.

After four seasons in Europe, he has scored five goals and provided five assists in 87 matches for the two clubs he has played for so far.