Nigeria Players Abroad
Bruno Onyemaechi’s girlfriend drops hint on transfer move
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Bruno Onyemaechi is enjoying life in Portugal, according to his Portuguese girlfriend, Ines Fontes.
Amidst rumors that the Super Eagles defender could leave Boavista at the end of the season, Ines has hinted that the player will remain with his current club.
Speculations have linked Onyemaechi with a potential move from Portugal to France. However, Ines’s recent comments suggest otherwise.
Onyemaechi initially joined Boavista on a season-long loan with an option to buy after a trial at Lillestrøm. In June 2023, Boavista exercised this option, signing him on a permanent deal by reportedly paying Feirense €1 million.
Onyemaechi has established himself as a dependable defender, making 24 appearances and starting 23 of them, averaging 83 minutes per game as Boavista secured a 15th-place finish in the Liga Portugal.
The Nigerian international made his debut for Nigeria on 10 September 2023, playing the full 90 minutes as a left-back in a 6–0 victory over São Tomé & Príncipe during the final group match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 25-year-old left-back was also part of the Nigerian team that reached the finals of the 2023 AFCON, where Nigeria lost 1-2 to the hosts, Ivory Coast. He has since earned three caps for the Super Eagles.
During a Q&A session on her Instagram stories, Ines responded to a fan’s question about Onyemaechi’s future at Boavista. The fan asked, “Does Bruno [Onyemaechi] think about leaving Boavista?”
Ines replied, “With me by his side, that question doesn’t even arise. He’s very happy.”
Despite his impressive performances, Onyemaechi will not be part of the Nigeria national team squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
