By Michael Imianvan
The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL Transfer MailBag, brings you closer to all top deals in the country’s top-flight football.
This is a fresh package, so let’s journey into it.
Bendel Insurance: Kester Walks A Familiar Path and The Exit Of Echeta
Over the week, the biggest shakers of the NPFL transfer space was Bendel Insurance as the club confirmed the arrival of midfielder, Kelly Kester and goalkeeper David Obiazo.
Kester becomes the second of his family to play for Bendel Insurance after his father, Kester Oboh. He put a pen on a one-year deal at 750,000 naira per month.
The Benin Arsenal is expected to confirm the arrival of defensive midfielder, Tamara Ezekiel on a two-year deal at 600,000 naira per month.
While the midfielder entries get better, the Monday Odigie side will not have forward Deputy Echeta in their books for next season.
Echeta had a year left on his contract but will now exit on mutual consent, switching to Rivers United.
He has since completed his medicals in Port Harcourt on Friday and will sign a two-year deal of around 600,000 naira monthly.
Deputy will join the team camp on Monday.
Rivers Utd beat off competition from Sporting Lagos and Rangers Intl.
Transfer: Enyimba Raids Shooting Stars
Defending champions, Enyimba is very close to completing a double swoop of ex-shooting stars’ players. Anthony Okachi and Desmond Ojietefian will switch to Aba.
The duo completed their medicals on Friday in Aba with an official announcement expected soon.
Desmond, a defender is expected to earn in the region of 400k after Enyimba paid Shooting Stars Three (3) million naira in transfer fees.
Striker Okachi will receive a salary of around 500k in Aba and receive a sign-on fee of Three million naira.
Shooting Stars Rekindles Lucky Old Flame
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars have opened negotiations to sign their former striker Emmanuel Lucky. Emmanuel last played for Sunshine Stars in the NPFL.
While defender Uche Ezeala has returned to Ibadan after his loan spell with Niger Tornadoes ended.
Uche had earlier left on loan last season following the revelation that he wasn’t in the plans of Coach Gbenga Ogunbote. I understand he will be fully integrated into the team for next season.
Transfer: Bello, The Beautiful Bride After Warriors Exit
Abia Warriors will be without their striker, Bello Lukmon next season following the expiration of his contract.
Rivers Utd, Bendel Insurance, and Katsina Utd have now enquired about him.
I’m told the club that shows the strongest desire will get him for next season.
The Great Wait Continues In Enugu
2016 champions Rangers Intl are still waiting on Barrister Amobi Ezekaku to return to Nigeria and slot in as the club’s new General Manager.
The UEFA Sports Management and FIFA Masters Holder, who was the Team Manager in 2016, will arrive in the country in August to conclude the final details of his appointment.
Kano Pillars did confirm the stories we dropped weeks back on this transfer mail. They unveiled their new coach, Abdul Maikaba, and three new players, Ibrahim Mustapha, Abubakar Aliyu, and Ibrahim Abubakar.
Sticking with the north, Hamza Abara has left relegated Elkanemi Warriors to join Niger Tornadoes as head coach. He was Fidelis Ilechukwu’s assistant at Plateau United until last season.
At Akwa Utd, James Ajako’s move to FUS Rabat on a free transfer is all but complete with the official announcement left.
The defender traveled this week to Morocco to sign a three-year deal.
As earlier revealed here, Striker Sadeeq Yusuf will not be a player of the Promise Keepers for the 2023/24 season. He is now attracting interest from clubs around the country.
The player joined Akwa Utd last season under Deji Ayeni but Fatai Osho believes he doesn’t fit his style of play.
Thank you indeed for catching up on this mailbag and keep supporting the NPFL.