Former Super Eagles captain and NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, has characterised CHAN Eagles captain Nduka Junior’s transfer to Iraqi club Erbil FC as driven by financial incentives, indicating that it may lead to repercussions.
Nduka participated in all of Nigeria’s group stage games at the African Nations Championship before the team was eliminated.
The centre-back also guided his club, Remo Stars, to their inaugural NPFL title, securing a spot in this season’s CAF Champions League.
His transfer to Iraq was officially announced on Monday, and Eguavoen, on Wednesday, August 27, emphasised that everyone should honour the player’s choice.
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“First and foremost, I want to congratulate the young man; he is undoubtedly a talented player,” Eguavoen stated during his session with a sports outlet, ‘No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze’.
“I am also aware that the owner of Remo Stars will not prevent any of his players from pursuing new opportunities, so this decision was entirely up to the player.
“Honestly, I believe that with the club participating in the CAF Champions League, it would have provided another platform for him to display his skills, but the future is uncertain; no one can predict it.
“His move to Iraq clearly indicates that the financial compensation will be appealing; the salary he will receive there will surpass what he earned at Remo Stars.”
“Life after football is crucial. Moreover, one cannot equate the Iraqi league with our CAF Champions League, but from there, he might eventually find himself playing in Saudi Arabia; it’s impossible to say for sure.”
Eguavoen, the NFF’s Technical Director, nonetheless suggested that Nduka’s transition to Iraq could have implications: “We wish him all the best, and hopefully, we will see him return to the national team as soon as possible, but not while he is playing in Iraq.
