FC Ashdod have completed the signing of Nigerian defensive midfielder Victor Ochayi from Bulgarian side Septemvri Sofia, securing the 24-year-old on a contract running from 2026-02-10 to 2029-06-30. The deal takes Ochayi to Ligat ha’Al, where he will continue his career abroad after his rapid rise in Bulgaria’s efbet Liga. The transfer has been registered as a standard move, with the fee undisclosed, and brings one of Septemvri’s most notable recent assets to Israel.
Ochayi arrives in Ashdod with a current market value of €350k, reflecting a remarkable surge over the past two seasons. When he joined Septemvri Sofia from Nigeria’s Right2Win Sports Academy, his value stood at just €10k. Consistent performances in Bulgarian top-flight football saw that figure climb steadily, progressing through €50k, €100k, €150k, and €300k before reaching €350k in late 2025, making him one of Septemvri’s standout financial success stories.
Born on 02 Feb 2002 and standing at 1.89 m, Ochayi offers FC Ashdod a tall, physically imposing presence at the base of midfield. Listed primarily as a defensive midfielder and comfortable using both feet, he is expected to provide screening in front of the back line, aerial strength, and flexibility in Ashdod’s central setup. His main position remains defensive midfield, but his profile suggests he can adapt to various holding and ball-winning roles in the middle of the park.
The move continues a distinctly international career path for the Nigerian. After emerging at Ikon Allah FA in his home country, he joined Danish side Jammerbugt FC, gaining his first European experience. From there he returned to Nigeria with Right2Win Sports Academy, before stepping back into Europe with Septemvri Sofia, competing in Bulgaria’s efbet Liga. Each switch has kept him outside his domestic league, and his latest transfer ensures he remains an expatriate professional, now moving into Israel’s top division, Ligat ha’Al.
At Septemvri Sofia, Ochayi’s rise was underpinned by his development in a competitive environment, where he adapted to European tempo and physicality. His market value increases at multiple points across 2024 and 2025 underline how his performances and reputation grew within Bulgarian football. Septemvri, who acquired him for no publicly reported fee, now lose a player whose valuation multiplied more than thirtyfold during his time at the club.
For FC Ashdod, the acquisition of a 24-year-old defensive midfielder with experience in both Scandinavian and Eastern European football represents a long-term investment. With his contract running until 2029-06-30, the Israeli club have committed to Ochayi through what should be his prime years, reducing any immediate risk of the Nigerian becoming a free agent and positioning themselves to benefit both on the pitch and, potentially, in the future transfer market.
Ochayi’s move also reinforces the growing trend of Nigerian talents using smaller European leagues and emerging markets as platforms for growth. Having already played in Denmark and Bulgaria, his transition to Israel offers a new tactical and cultural challenge and another opportunity to strengthen his reputation. If he adapts quickly in Ligat ha’Al and continues his upward trajectory, the transfer to FC Ashdod could become a significant stepping stone in a career that has already advanced rapidly since leaving Ikon Allah FA.
