The true reason Benjamin Tanimu left Maghreb de Fès

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu has explained why he and Moroccan club Maghreb de Fès agreed to end his contract early, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The three‑cap Nigerian international announced that he would leave the Yellow Tigers after reaching a mutual termination with club officials, even though he still had two years remaining on his deal.

Tanimu began his career at Bendel Insurance, where he became one of Nigeria’s most promising home‑grown defenders and earned his first national team call‑up in 2024. He helped the club win the Nigeria National League title in the 2021–22 season, securing promotion to the top flight, and later played a key role in their Federation Cup victory a year later before departing in 2024 after seven years of service.

Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu. [Photo Credit/ X]

After leaving Bendel Insurance, the 23‑year‑old signed for Singida Black Stars in Tanzania, then moved to English lower‑league side Crawley Town where he made ten appearances in all competitions. He returned to Africa last summer to join Maghreb de Fès.

Why Benjamin Tanimu left Maghreb de Fès

Tanimu’s move to the Moroccan club was seen as a significant step forward and was expected to secure him a regular spot in the Super Eagles squad.

Instead, he struggled for playing time, appearing in only two matches and totaling just two minutes on the pitch. After being repeatedly left on the bench, he was eventually dropped from the squad entirely.

Benjamin Tanimu. [Photo Credit/ X]

Although he said he enjoyed his time in Morocco, Tanimu explained that the lack of minutes was the main reason for his departure.

“Despite everything, I cannot say anything bad about the club. It was purely a sporting decision from my side, but I did enjoy my stay in Morocco,” the Nigerian defender said via Footy‑Africa.

“The issue was that I was not getting the minutes I was promised when I moved here, so I felt I needed a new challenge to start afresh and show what I can do.”

He added that the timing of his exit was appropriate, especially with the transfer window approaching, which would allow him to evaluate potential moves carefully.

“I needed to leave and focus on somewhere else, especially with the transfer window around the corner. I have had some offers come in for me, but we are carefully looking at all of them. I have to settle down and choose wisely so I do not make the same mistakes again,” the defender said.

What next for Benjamin Tanimu?

Expected to make a strong impression in the Moroccan league, the move did not work out as planned, and Tanimu is now looking for a fresh start elsewhere after leaving the four‑time champions.

Benjamin Tanimu. [Photo Credit/ X]

While the defender has already attracted interest from several clubs, his priority is to find a team where he can play regularly and regain the form that earned him three caps for the Super Eagles under former head coach Finidi George.

A return to the national team remains possible, especially with current coach Eric Chelle’s reputation for giving opportunities to new players.

However, Tanimu will need to secure consistent playing time and return to top form before he can make a case for another call‑up.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF‑accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. He has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.