Ghanaian defender Kojo Oppong Peprah has welcomed the challenge of playing for Turkish giants Fenerbahçe after completing his move from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.
Fenerbahçe confirmed the signing of the Ghana international in a deal reportedly worth more than €10 million, adding the defender to its squad as the club seeks to strengthen its defensive options.
Speaking at his official unveiling on Saturday, August 29, at the 1907 Tribune of the Chobani Stadium, Oppong Peprah said his desire for continuous improvement and his willingness to embrace new challenges were central to his decision to move to Turkey.
“I always love challenges in my life. For me, the most important thing is to constantly get better. I think I can improve further, both in terms of my long balls and reading the game better,” he said.
The defender expressed gratitude for the reception he had received from the club and said he was eager to begin his Fenerbahçe journey.
“I am very grateful for the warm welcome. I am very happy to have joined this family. I can’t wait to wear this jersey,” he said.
He added that his immediate priority was to contribute to the team and enjoy his football.
“The most important thing for me is to help my team. What I want most is to enjoy football.”
‘I know the passion of Fenerbahçe fans’
Oppong Peprah said his decision was also influenced by his previous experience of playing against Fenerbahçe while representing Nice last season.
The Ghanaian defender said he had already experienced the intensity surrounding the Turkish club and was impressed by the strong relationship between its supporters and players.
“Last year, I played against Fenerbahçe with Nice. I know the atmosphere here and how passionate the fans are,” he said.
“That’s why being part of this family is very important to me because I felt that bond between the fans and the players.”
He believes that connection will help him settle into his new environment and adapt quickly to the demands of playing for one of Turkey’s biggest clubs.
Djiku influenced transfer decision
The former Nice defender also revealed that discussions with Ghana and Black Stars teammate Alexander Djiku strengthened his interest in joining Fenerbahçe.
Djiku spent three seasons at the Turkish club before moving to Russian side Spartak Moscow, giving him first-hand knowledge of the club and its environment.
Oppong Peprah said he consulted his international teammate before making the move.
“I spoke with Alexander Djiku. Hearing nice things from someone who played here had an impact on my transfer,” he said.
Djiku’s positive assessment of the club consequently contributed to Oppong Peprah’s decision to take up the Fenerbahçe opportunity.
Hopes to speak with Stephen Appiah
The Ghanaian defender also expressed regret that he did not have the opportunity to speak directly with former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah before completing the transfer.
Appiah remains a popular figure among Fenerbahçe supporters after spending three successful seasons with the Turkish club between 2005 and 2008.
Oppong Peprah said he would have valued Appiah’s advice as a former Ghanaian player who had already experienced the expectations attached to playing for Fenerbahçe.
“I wish I had direct contact with Appiah. He’s a great legend of Ghana. We only met at the World Cup, but I didn’t know I would join this club,” he said.
Strong season at Nice
Oppong Peprah earned his move to Fenerbahçe after a productive debut season with Nice.
He joined the French club from Swedish side IFK Norrköping last summer and quickly established himself as a regular first-team player.
He made 39 appearances in all competitions for Nice and scored one goal, performances that attracted interest from several clubs.
Among the teams reportedly interested in signing him was fellow French Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg, but Fenerbahçe ultimately won the race for his signature.
Black Stars defender
Oppong Peprah has also strengthened his standing at international level, becoming an important part of Ghana’s Black Stars squad.
His form for Nice helped him secure a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He featured for the Black Stars against England and Croatia during Ghana’s campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
His move to Fenerbahçe now represents another significant step in his development, with the defender expected to compete for a regular role at a club where expectations are high and the supporters are intensely passionate.
For Oppong Peprah, the challenge is clear: adapt quickly, improve his game and repay Fenerbahçe’s faith after the club invested more than €10 million to secure his services.
His stated priorities—constant improvement, helping the team and enjoying his football—will now be tested in one of Turkey’s most demanding football environments.
