Orji Okwonkwo is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Serie B side Cittadella, on loan from Bologna.
From his early days at the FC Abuja Academy to lifting the FIFA U-17 World Cup with Nigeria, breaking into Serie A with Bologna, and now continuing his career in Italy’s second tier, Okonkwo’s journey has been full of sharp turns and comebacks.
In this article, Footynaija.com profiles the powerful forward who is quietly rebuilding his career and aiming for a fresh breakthrough in Italian football.
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Biography
Orji Okwonkwo was born on January 19, 1998, in Enugu, Nigeria. He grew up in a football-loving environment and honed his skills at the FC Abuja Academy, where he gained attention for his strength, pace, and powerful finishing.
Okonkwo’s big break came in 2015 when he was selected for Nigeria’s U-17 squad at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. He scored a stunning goal against Mexico in the semi-final and helped the Golden Eaglets win the tournament, playing alongside the likes of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
Following the World Cup triumph, he secured a move to Italy, signing with Serie A club Bologna in August 2016. He made his Serie A debut the same year, coming on as a substitute against Palermo on 20 November 2016. Okonkwo’s first Serie A goal came during the 2017–18 season, in a match against Hellas Verona.
Despite showing promise at Bologna, regular playing time was hard to come by, leading to several loan spells. In 2019, he moved to MLS side Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal), where he scored 8 goals in 28 appearances and was named the club’s Most Valuable Player for the season.
He returned to Montreal for a second loan stint in 2020, continuing his development in North America.
In the 2021–22 season, Okonkwo enjoyed a strong spell at Serie B club Cittadella, scoring 7 goals in 20 league appearances. However, a suspension due to an anti-doping violation stalled his progress and led to a long spell away from competitive action.
After serving his ban, Okonkwo resumed his career and returned to Cittadella on loan from Bologna, where he is currently working to rebuild form and consistency.
Internationally, Okonkwo has yet to make his senior debut for Nigeria, but his past exploits with the U-17 team remain a highlight in his career.
Career Stats
Okonkwo remains one of Nigeria’s overlooked attacking prospects in Europe, with power, pace, and top-flight experience.
Here is a breakdown of his numbers so far:
Bologna – 30 apps (3G, 1A)
Montreal Impact (loan) – 50 apps (10G, 3A)
Reggina (loan) – 16 apps (0G, 0A)
Cittadella (loan) – 37 apps (11G, 3A)
Nigeria U-17 – 5 apps (1G)
Orji Okwonkwo Salary
At the time of this writing, Orji Okonkwo’s contract with Bologna earns him a weekly wage of £3,800, which amounts to £197,600 per year. His existing deal with the Serie A club is set to run until June 2025.
Orji Okwonkwo Net Worth Market Value
As of 2025, Orji Okonkwo has an estimated net worth of £1,518,400, accumulated through his professional contracts, loan spells, and bonuses since moving to Europe after the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
His current market value is €250,000, according to Transfermarkt.
Orji Okwonkwo Family
Orji Okonkwo was born into the family of Ikwo and Joy Okwonkwo. He has one brother, Ebubu, and three sisters: Blessing, Chigozie, and Nneka.
His family has been a strong pillar of support throughout his football journey, from his early days at FC Abuja Academy to his move abroad.
Orji Okwonkwo Girlfriend and Kids
At the time of this writing, Orji Okonkwo has not publicly revealed any information about his relationship status. There are no confirmed reports linking him to a girlfriend, and he has not been seen sharing details about his private life on social media. He is also not known to have any children, as of now.
Orji Okwonkwo Transfer News
After serving a two-year suspension due to a doping violation, his contract with Bologna was extended until June 2026.
In January 2025, Okwonkwo returned to Serie B side Cittadella on loan, marking his second stint with the club. This move came after an earlier loan spell at Reggiana.
As of May 2025, there have been no official reports regarding a permanent transfer or further loan moves for Okonkwo. His future remains uncertain, and any developments will depend on his performance and interest from other clubs.
FC 25 Ratings
Orji Okwonkwo’s overall player rating is 67 as per EA SPORTS FC 25, reflecting his qualities as a rapid and direct striker for Reggiana and a former youth international for Nigeria.
His standard card highlights his explosive pace and strong physical presence in attack:
Pace: 90 (Acceleration 89, Sprint Speed 90)
Dribbling: 67 (Agility 81, Balance 65, Ball Control 66, Dribbling 67, Composure 60)
Shooting: 67 (Finishing 66, Shot Power 74, Long Shots 66, Positioning 64, Volleys 65, Penalties 60)
Passing: 60 (Crossing 61, Vision 59, Short Passing 64, Long Passing 49, Curve 66)
Physicality: 70 (Stamina 70, Jumping 78, Strength 71, Aggression 66)
