Former Nigeria Under-23 captain Okechukwu Azubuike has told www.aclsports.com that his career is still firmly on the right track after leaving Turkish Super Lig side Yeni Malatyaspor for Egyptian side Pyramids last weekend.
The 21-year old has been a prominent figure in Malatyaspor’s midfield for the past two seasons, playing a key role in their debut Super Lig season when he helped the club to a tenth place finish.
The one-cap Super Eagles player has been linked to Turkish and La Liga clubs in the summer but has instead joined the highly ambitious Pyramids in Egypt’s top flight.
“It was not an easy decision for me. I surely wanted to stay in Europe but my former club insisted on taking the tempting offer from Pyramids,” began Azubuike to www.aclsports.com
Pyramids are the new rave of the moment in Egypt; a club owned by Saudi Arabia’s Sports Minister Turki al-Sheikh who is determined to upset the old order of Al Ahly – Zamalek dominance in Egypt.
Before the capture of Azubuike, Pyramids had signed eighteen (18) new players including four Brazilian wingers and striker as well as Egyptian national team players Tarek Hamed and Ali Gabr from Zamalek.
“Everyone knows that the Egyptian league is one of the best in Africa and Pyramids are very ambitious. The President called me personally to tell me of his project and I will give them my all in the time I spend there,” added Azubuike
After excelling with Nigeria at the Under-23 level, many Nigerian football fans believed he will be a major asset to the Super Eagles. The former Bayelsa United midfielder insists that the move to North Africa will not jeopardize his national team hopes.
“Nigerians should not worry. I will come to the national team and play for my nation. I am as positive as ever to play for the Super Eagles and the dream is still alive,” added the pint-sized midfielder.
Azubuike has joined his new teammates in training and hopes to feature in their league game against El Dakhleya next weekend. Pyramids are currently second on the Egyptian Premier League table with seven points from their first three games of the new season.
