Ghanaian defender Kojo Oppong Peprah says he is ready to embrace the challenge of playing in Turkey after completing his move to Fenerbahçe.
The Turkish giants confirmed the signing of the Ghana international from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice in a deal reportedly worth more than €10 million.
Speaking at his official unveiling on Saturday, August 29, at the 1907 Tribune of the Chobani Stadium, Oppong Peprah said the opportunity to improve and take on a new challenge influenced his decision.
“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.
“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.
“The most important thing for me is to help my team. What I want most is to enjoy football.”
Oppong Peprah also spoke about Fenerbahçe’s passionate supporters, having faced the club with Nice last season.
“Last year, I played against Fenerbahçe with Nice. I know the atmosphere here and how passionate the fans are. That’s why being part of this family is very important to me because I felt that bond between the fans and the players.”
Oppong Peprah disclosed that conversations with Ghana and Black Stars teammate Alexander Djiku, who spent three seasons at Fenerbahçe before joining Spartak Moscow, strengthened his interest in the club.
“I spoke with Alexander Djiku. Hearing nice things from someone who played here had an impact on my transfer.”
‘I wish I had direct contact with Appiah’
The Ghanaian defender also expressed regret that he did not speak directly with former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah before joining Fenerbahçe.
Appiah remains highly regarded by Fenerbahçe supporters after spending three successful seasons at the club between 2005 and 2008.
“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.”
Oppong Peprah joined Nice from Swedish side IFK Norrköping last summer and quickly established himself as a first-team regular, making 39 appearances across all competitions and scoring once.
His performances attracted interest from several clubs, including fellow French side RC Strasbourg, but Fenerbahçe eventually secured his signature.
The defender has also become an important figure for Ghana, earning a place in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He featured against England and Croatia during Ghana’s campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
