Erhun Obanor: Nigeria centre-back switches to Al-Gharraf in Iraq on free transfer

Nigeria defender Erhun Obanor has joined Al-Gharraf from Libyan Premier League side Union Military on a free transfer. The 30-year-old centre-back completed the move to the Iraq Stars League club on 13 August 2026.

Obanor leaves Union Military after joining the Libyan club in October 2025. His arrival gives Al-Gharraf an experienced defensive option as the club strengthens its squad for competition in Iraq’s top flight.

The Benin City-born player stands 1.92m tall and is left-footed. He has played primarily as a central defender during a career that has taken him through leagues in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Before moving to Union Military, Obanor spent time with Saudi Arabian side Al-Zulfi. He joined that club in July 2024 after leaving Al-Ain, having previously played for Albanian club KF Vora and Greek side Proodeftiki.

His career record includes 60 appearances and one goal in the Saudi First Division League, along with 53 appearances in Albania’s Kategoria Superiore. He also made 24 appearances in Croatia’s SuperSport HNL and featured in domestic competitions including the Libyan Premier League, Cyprus League and Nigeria Professional Football League.

Obanor began his senior career in Nigeria, with spells involving Bendel Insurance, Abia Warriors, COD United and MFM FC. He later moved to Club Africain in Tunisia before continuing his career in Germany with Greuther Furth and its reserve team.

His European experience also includes NK Rudes and NK Istra in Croatia, as well as KF Laci and FK Kukesi in Albania. During his time with Istra, he spent part of the 2021-22 season on loan at Cyprus club PAEEK Kyrenia.

The move to Al-Gharraf is the latest step in a career that has included permanent transfers, loans and free-agent moves across several countries. Obanor now continues his career in Iraq after completing a free transfer from Union Military.