Veteran goalkeeper, Chijioke Ejiogu, has exclusively told Completesports.com that he will not stand in the way of any of his children if they decide to pursue a career in football — especially as goalkeepers.
Nicknamed ‘Arugo Monkey’, Ejiogu recently made a shock return to the Nigerian top-flight league, the NPFL, after joining struggling Kun Khalifat of Owerri. The 41-year-old shot-stopper made his debut for the club in their 1-0 victory over Bayelsa United in a Matchday 29 clash on Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Ejiogu Open To Children Following His Goalkeeping Path
Ejiogu told Completesports.com on Wednesday night that he would be delighted if any of his children followed in his footsteps as a goalkeeper, citing former Super Eagles shot-stopper Dele Aiyenugba, whose son Daniel currently plays for Nigeria National League (NNL) side Beyond Limits.
Also Read: NPFL: Veteran Goalie Ejiogu Returns At 41, Inspires Kun Khalifat Win Over Bayelsa United
“I’ve two kids, a boy and a girl,” the ‘Arugo Monkey’ revealed when he spoke to Completesports.com on Wednesday.
“Though they are still young, if any of them decides to play football — particularly as a goalkeeper — why not? They will get my support. After all, Dele Aiyenugba’s son is keeping for an NNL club.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Ndubuisi Ndah, who played as a central defender during his days with Rangers and the Nigeria U-23 national team, also has his son, Patrick Ndah, playing professional football in South Africa as a central defender.
“It’s normal for a child to follow in a parent’s career path. So, if my son wants to be a goalkeeper, I won’t discourage him.”
‘Arugo Monkey’ Recalls Super Eagles Invitation In 2002
Ejiogu, whose professional career began in 1999 with FC Arugo of Owerri, also reminisced about his time with the senior national team, the Super Eagles.
“That was in 2002. I was invited for the international friendly against Paraguay in London by Coach Adegboyega Onigbinde. I think the match ended 1-1.
“Austine Ejide kept for the team, while Sunday Rotimi and myself were also part of the squad.”
Ejiogu Explains Decision To Join Kun Khalifat
Asked what informed his decision to join relegation-threatened Kun Khalifat after a brief retirement, Ejiogu explained that he wanted to help a club from his hometown avoid the drop.
“After I played for Heartland, I went to Bayelsa United and left them three seasons ago. I then decided to take a rest.
Also Read: NPFL: Kun Khalifat Coach, Uzoho — ‘We’ll Fight Our Way Out Of Relegation Zone’
“But seeing Kun Khalifat, a team from my own town, struggling to escape relegation, I decided to join them. By the grace of God, Kun Khalifat will survive relegation at the end of the season.”
Bayelsa United Players Were Surprised To See Me — Ejiogu
Ejiogu also revealed that his former club, Bayelsa United, were surprised to see him in goal during the match.
“You know it’s been a while since I stopped playing. So I’m sure they didn’t expect to see me in the Kun Khalifat line-up.
“And of course, the moment they saw me, they became discouraged because they knew it would be difficult for them to score against me.
“Bayelsa United is my former team, but Kun Khalifat is my present team. We needed the points more to survive.
“So I’m happy we won, especially as it was my first game for them and my first NPFL match of the 2025/2026 season.”
By Sab Osuji
