Nigerian forward Peter Olayinka has embarked on another chapter of his well travelled football career after completing a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Wehda.
The 30 year old attacker joined Al Wehda as a free agent after leaving Cypriot club APOEL Nicosia, with the move giving the experienced Nigerian an opportunity to continue his career in Saudi Arabia. Current player records list Olayinka as an Al Wehda player from August 19, 2026, with the club competing in the Saudi second tier this season.
Olayinka’s arrival represents another interesting destination in a career that has taken him through several countries and some of Europe’s most competitive leagues. From his early days in Nigerian football to memorable European nights with Slavia Prague, the forward has built a career based on persistence, adaptability and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Olayinka began developing his football career with 36 Lion FC. His journey soon took him outside Nigeria, with Albanian club Bylis becoming one of his first destinations in European football. His early years were spent learning the demands of professional football and adapting to different football cultures.
He later moved to Yenicami in Northern Cyprus on loan, where he made an immediate impression by scoring eight goals in 21 league appearances. That spell helped establish him as a forward with the ability to make an impact despite playing outside Europe’s traditional major leagues.
Olayinka subsequently joined Albanian club Skënderbeu, where his development continued to accelerate. His performances eventually attracted interest from Belgium, leading to a move to Gent.
Rather than immediately becoming a regular in Belgium, Olayinka continued his development through loan spells at Dukla Prague and Zulte Waregem. Those experiences proved valuable because they allowed him to become familiar with different tactical systems and playing styles.
The major breakthrough of his career arrived when he joined Slavia Prague in 2018.
Olayinka spent five seasons with the Czech giants and became an important member of a side that enjoyed considerable domestic success. He made more than 100 league appearances for Slavia and scored 33 league goals, while helping the club win three Czech First League titles and three Czech Cups.
His performances in European competition were equally important to his growing reputation.
One of the defining moments came in September 2019 when Olayinka scored against Inter Milan on his Champions League debut. Slavia Prague eventually secured a 1 1 draw at San Siro, giving the Nigerian forward a memorable introduction to European football at the highest level.
That performance also helped increase his visibility in Nigeria, eventually contributing to his senior international opportunity with the Super Eagles.
Olayinka made his Nigeria debut in 2019 and has since earned four senior caps. He was also included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
After leaving Slavia Prague in 2023, Olayinka joined Serbian powerhouse Red Star Belgrade. His time in Serbia produced another impressive collection of trophies, as he helped the club win two Serbian league and cup doubles during his spell there.
His next move took him to APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus. Although the spell was relatively short, it provided another experience in European football before his latest move to Saudi Arabia.
Olayinka is naturally suited to several attacking roles. He is primarily listed as a left winger but can also operate as a centre forward or on the right side. Standing at 1.88 metres and predominantly using his right foot, he combines physical strength with the mobility required to operate across the frontline.
That versatility could prove valuable for Al Wehda.
The Saudi club will be hoping Olayinka’s European experience can add quality and maturity to their attack. His familiarity with competitive football, combined with his experience of Champions League and Europa League matches, gives him a level of experience that could be useful as Al Wehda pursue their objectives.
Interestingly, Olayinka is following a familiar Nigerian path to Al Wehda. Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo previously represented the Saudi club, giving the Nigerian connection at the team another dimension.
For Olayinka, however, this move is about more than nationality or another destination on his football map. At 30, he still has an opportunity to produce important performances and add another chapter to a career that has already taken him from Nigeria to Albania, Cyprus, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Serbia and now Saudi Arabia.
His career has never followed the straightforward route often associated with players who reach the international stage. Instead, Olayinka gradually built his reputation through different leagues, loan spells and challenging environments.
That journey could now serve him well in Saudi Arabia.
With Al Wehda currently competing in the Saudi First Division, Olayinka will be expected to bring experience, attacking versatility and leadership to the squad. His arrival was recorded on August 19, 2026, and he is listed as the club’s most valuable player by current Transfermarkt data.
The Nigerian will now look to settle quickly, regain his best rhythm and demonstrate that his move to Saudi Arabia is not the end of an adventure but the beginning of another productive stage of his career.
From a young player leaving Nigeria in search of an opportunity to a seasoned international who has lifted trophies across Europe, Peter Olayinka has already travelled a remarkable football journey.
Saudi Arabia is simply the latest destination.
And if his previous career is anything to go by, the experienced Nigerian will be determined to make this chapter count.
