Nigeria defender Samson Gbadebo has joined Iraqi club, Naft Al-Wasat Sports Club on a 10- month deal.
Gbadebo joined Naft Al-Wasat from Nigeria Professional Football League club, Akwa United.
The centre-back spent three years at Akwa United winning the league title in his second season at the club.
The 25-year-old was part of Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles squad to the 2016 African Nations Championship.
“These last few days have been charged with many emotions, feelings that I now want to share with all of you,” he remarked to Akwa United family.
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“After three incredible and wonderful years at Akwa United a club that I will always carry in my heart, the day has come to say goodbye.
“Since I arrived in 2019, together we have exceeded all expectations and achieved things that I could never have dreamed of. I would like to thank all the coaches and all the people who work or have worked at the club for everything they have done for me.
“Many thanks also to all the Akwa United fans who always gave me a lot of affection and with their great demand they pushed me to give my best and fight for every success.
“I have had the honour of sharing a dressing room with the best players in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
“Finally, I want to thank all Elder Paul Bassey and especially to the city of Uyo. The place will always be special to me.”
5 Comments
Why Iraq? I don’t understand this ooooo my people. Reliable and no nonsense defender leaving NPFL to join a team from Iraq. To me, this is a pure set back in his career but, we can rule money involved out here. All the money he made with Akwa united in three years will be paid in Iraq under five to six months. Anyway, I wish you success for the future in Iraqi league.
You don’t know what you are saying. Is the pay at Akwa United more than what Gbadebo will earn in Iraq?
LMFAO!
IRAQ ke…
Na wa….
Google this question – IS IRAQ SAFE TODAY?
Many websites pop up advising that Iraq is not an ideal destination at this time, because of the volatile, unpredictable and potentially dangerous security situation. This is despite the fact that the war was declared ended in December 2017.
For a player to be willing to migrate to a country with a low standard league, and possibly a war zone for that matter, shows just how poor the compensation and welfare package is for our local players.
While the drive to better himself financially in order to provide for himself and his family is easy to understand, his safety and security should be a higher priority.
It’s up to him to take a good hard look, before he leaps into the unknown.
Why are will always quick to condemn the choice of our players club. We not privy to whats stated in his contract, one person is quick to conclude he would earn less than what he makes at Akwa. How are we so sure, and i don’t think the player wouldn’t have done his homework before putting pen to paper. how many of our players start at the top 5 leagues currently. A lot are bench warmers or not even scheduled for match day. There are brazilians plying there trade for the same club.