Temple Emekayi: Nigerian defender makes Lebanon switch to Shabab Al-Sahel

Nigeria centre-back Temple Emekayi has joined Lebanese Premier League club Shabab Al-Sahel from Rivers United, completing a move that takes the 28-year-old defender out of the Nigerian top flight.

Emekayi’s transfer was completed on 20 September 2026 after six seasons with Rivers United, where he established himself as a regular in domestic and continental football. He joined the Nigerian club in January 2019 and went on to make 144 appearances in the NPFL.

The Port Harcourt-born defender also played 13 times in the CAF Confederation Cup, eight times in the CAF Champions League and three times in the NPFL Playoffs during his career with Rivers United. His league record includes one assist.

Emekayi was part of the Rivers United side that won the Nigerian championship in the 2021-22 season. That success remains the major honour recorded during his senior career and provides the latest competitive context to his move to Lebanon.

The right-footed defender now begins a new chapter with Shabab Al-Sahel, who compete in the Lebanese Premier League. His arrival gives the club a player with extensive experience in Nigeria’s leading domestic competition, as well as exposure to African club tournaments.

Emekayi’s international background is Nigerian, and he has represented the country at club level through his appearances for Rivers United in continental competitions. The defender’s previous competitive experience has been concentrated in Nigeria, making the switch to the Lebanese league a change of footballing environment.

Rivers United’s former player had a listed market value of €50,000 at the time of the move. No transfer fee has been stated for the deal.

Born on 1 May 1998, Emekayi joins Shabab Al-Sahel at the age of 28 and is registered primarily as a centre-back. He began his senior club record with Rivers United after arriving in 2019, before leaving the NPFL side for his new opportunity in Lebanon.

The move from Rivers United to Shabab Al-Sahel was completed on 20 September 2026.