Veteran Goalkeeper Ejiogu Returns to NPFL After Eight-Year Absence
Former Enyimba FC, Julius Berger FC, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Heartland FC, and Dolphins FC goalkeeper Chijioke Ejiogu has made a sensational return to the Nigeria Premier Football League nearly eight years after retirement following his move to Kun Khalifat FC, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Popularly known as “Arugo Monkey,” the 41-year-old last featured in the domestic top flight during the 2018 season when he played for Heartland.
Ejiogu, who first burst onto the scene in 1999 with FC Arugo Owerri — a side assembled by the late Uche Ejimofor, the first General Manager of Iwuanyanwu Nationale — delivered an outstanding performance in his debut appearance for Kun Khalifat on Sunday against Bayelsa United.
The veteran goalkeeper produced a string of crucial saves to help his side secure a narrow 1–0 victory, with Uchechukwu Onuoha scoring the decisive goal in the 45th minute.
Bayelsa United pushed hard in search of an equaliser, but Ejiogu repeatedly denied their attackers with a series of impressive stops throughout the match.
One of Nigeria’s most decorated domestic players, Ejiogu boasts seven Nigerian FA Cup titles across four clubs — Julius Berger (2002), Dolphins (2004, 2006, 2007), Enyimba (2009, 2014), and Heartland (2012).
He also won three NPFL titles with Dolphins (2004) and Enyimba (2009, 2015), as well as two Super Cup trophies with Julius Berger (2004) and Enyimba (2010).
“I’m happy with our win today and of course with my performance, which the fans are happy about,” Ejiogu told Completesports.com after the game.
“I’m even happier that we won the game. Hopefully we’ll talk tomorrow,” he added.
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment