Emmanuel Deutsch, a Cameroonian, has signed what officials say is an ‘improved’ one-year contract extension at NPFL side Abia Warriors, thus putting to an end speculation over his future, Completesports.com reports.
Deutsch was reported to have gone ‘AWOL’ after the abridged 2018/2019 NPFL season, forcing the Abia Warriors hierarchy to open talks with Katsina United gaffer, Abdullahi Biffo for a possible replacement.
Biffo was understood to have reached agreement with the club and was due in Umuahia on Wednesday for contract signing and unveiling. But that didn’t happen former Delta Force gaffer, Deutsch returned to his employers, mend fences and was handed a contract extension.
“Its a one season contract extension. It:s an ‘improved’ deal and both parties are happy,” a happy elated official told Completesports.com.
Deutsch, who was obviously satisfied with his contract extension denied suggestions he was negotiating switch with other clubs using the Umuahia side as ‘bargaining chip’.
“When the (2018/2019) season ended, I had to travel back to Cameroon to see my family,” he told officials of the club.
Deutsch joined Abia Warriors with six matches remaining in the abridged NPFL season last term even with the the club’s precarious position in the table.
However, he was able to lead Abia Warriors to safety. In his previous stint at the club, Deutsch took the team to an unbeaten 10-match run.
By Sab Osuji
