Nigeria international defender Tyronne Ebuehi has completed his transfer from Benfica to Serie A side Venezia FC.

The 25-year-old decided to join Italy’s top-flight after having been sidelined in Portugal’s top-flight with Benfica.

He will be on a season-long loan with the option to buy in Italy. Ebuehi will be keen on making an impression following his failure to break into Benfica’s starting lineup.

The Nigerian spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Dutch side FC Twente where he managed to get regular game time.

Venezia have just been promoted from Italy’s Serie B to the Serie A and have strengthened their defence with Ebuehi.

“Venezia FC announces that today the agreement with SL Benfica has been signed for the passage in Gli Arancioneroverdi with the formula of the annual loan with obligation to buy in case of stay in Serie A of the player Tyronne Ebuehi,” a statement from the club website read.

“The defender, born in Haarlem in the Netherlands and also holding Nigerian citizenship, played for FC Twente last season, scoring one goal and one assist.

“He grew up in ADO Den Haag, a club with which he made his debut in the Eredivisie in the 2014/15 season, and was signed by Benfica with whom he played seven games in the Liga Revelacao U23 and six games in Liga Portugal 2 in the 2019/20 season.

“During his career, Ebuehi also played 10 matches for Nigeria, including an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match and a World Cup match. Welcome, Tyronne!”

Ebuehi was part of Nigeria’s 23-man squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Ebuehi will want to prove himself

He will be looking to get back into Nigeria’s squad. Game time is the most important for the former Super Eagle.

A strong showing in Serie A and Venezia’s ability to stay in the top-flight will determine his success. There have been many Nigerians who have played in Italy in the past. However, there are very few now.

This is a great opportunity for Ebuehi to stand out and show what Benfica have been missing. Nigeria is a side filled with attackers so his competition is relatively lesser for a place in Gernat Rohr’s side.