Felix Ogbuke has told Completesports.com he’s unsure of his future at Enugu Rangers despite having one year remaining on his three-year contract with the Coal City Flying Antelopes.
The former Nigeria international who will be 34 years next week spoke to Completesports.com on the sidelines during the just concluded Tico Selec/ Ekwueme Preseason Tournament at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
“It was fun a bit because last season was my best moment in Nigerian club football,” Ogbuke said with mixed emotions.
“And it was all thanks to coach Gbenga Ogunbote for the encouragement, push and all that he extended to me.
“But along the line, I must confess, there were ups and downs, twists and turns which included the death of my sister and my father’s ill health too.
“All the same, I still thank God because of the push coach Ogunbote gave to me, so I still give kudos to him.
“When I came back [from QNK Quang Nam of Vietnam], I signed a three-year contract with Rangers.
“This [2019/2020] season is supposed to be the last of the three years contract with Rangers, but as it is right now, I can only say I still have one more season with Rangers based on our contract.”
Ogbuke had a rich career in Europe after playing a part in Nigeria’s U23 team campaign in the All Africa Games tagged COJA 2003.
He joined Al Was of United Arab Emirate, UAE, (2003–2004) from where he moved to Israeli side FC Ashdod (2004–2006).
The left footed attacking midfield starred for four Israeli clubs, Hapoel Tel Aviv (2006-2007), Macabi Petah Tekva (2007-2009) and Hakoah Amidar Ramat Gan (2009-2010) before he was snapped up by Cyprus giants, Apollon Limassol (2010-2011).
From Limassol, he went on a season long loan at Polish side, Leggia Warsaw (2011) from where moved to Vietnamese side, Hoang Anh Via Laid (2014) and later GNK Quang Nam also of Vietnam (2016) from where he rejoined his Nigeria childhood club, Enugu Rangers in 2017.
He penned a three year contract with the Coal City Flying Antelopes but after just two season gone, with one still remaining on the contract, things appear falling apart with his cherished return to the NPFL side.
The dark skinned midfielder continued with pains, recalling how his romance with Rangers came crashing, almost irredeemably.
He hinted the prospect of seeing out his remaining contract with Flying Antelopes looks unlikely.
“No, not at all,” he snapped. ” They (Rangers), have asked me to step aside. I don’t understand the way they are doing things this time.
“They said I insulted an official of the team. In the memo they gave me, they said I should go and apologise, which I’ve done.
“And they said they will call me back to come and start training. But I’m still waiting for them to call me.”
Rangers will participate in the NPFL, Aiteo Cup and CAF Confederation Cup this season.
The Flying Antelopes were billed to fly to Gabon today (Thursday) for their CAF Confederation Cup First Round first leg match against Pelicans.
By Sab Osuji
1 Comment
This guys are trying their best to see the secure a brighter future.