Italian Serie A side Bologna have demonstrated their faith in former Nigeria U17, U20 star Orji Okwonkwo by handing him fresh terms that will see his contract at the club extends till the summer of 2026, OGN understands.
Okwonkwo was found guilty of doping violation and handed a four year worldwide ban from football. The ban will take effect between February 25th, 2022, and February 24th, 2026. The ban left his future at the Serie A side uncertain.
However in an unusual show of support and faith, Bologna have now decided to extend his contract to 2026, which around the same time his ban will be over. The move has divided opinions in Italy.
Okonkwo signed for Bologna in August 2016 and made his Serie A debut against Palermo. He had to wait until September 24, 2017, to score his first league goal, against Sassuolo.
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In 2018, the star signed a loan deal with Brescia before another loan move to Major Soccer League side CF Montreal in December 2019. Then, under Thierry Henry, Montreal re-acquired the striker on another loan deal – this time around with a purchase option – at the end of the 2022 season.
Thereafter, the now 25 year old signed more loan deals with Reggina in Serie B and Cittadella in February 2021 and July 2021, respectively.
