Theophilus Afelokhai, former goalkeeper for Kano Pillars, Enyimba, and Rivers United, has exclusively revealed to Completesports.com that he’s open to an NPFL return following his recovery from a groin injury.
Afelokhai, 36, has won the NPFL six times with various clubs, including Kano Pillars, Enyimba, and Rivers United.
“I’m with my family in Kaduna as we speak,” the Delta State-born shot-stopper told Completesports.com in an exclusive interview.
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“I returned to Nigeria from Dubai, UAE, about a month and a half ago and decided to rest after recovering from a groin injury I sustained around a season and a half ago while with Rivers United.
“I’m grateful to God that the injury is fully healed, and I would be delighted to return to the league.”
Afelokhai acknowledged that he returned home slightly late after the new NPFL season had begun but stated that he would consider any offers that might arise during the mid-season.
“The league is ongoing right now, so maybe during the mid-season transfer window, if there’s genuine interest, why not,” he responded.
The former Kano Pillars captain was selected for the 2018 home-based Super Eagles squad for that year’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Morocco. He served as a backup as hosts Morocco claimed the title with a 4-0 victory over Nigeria at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
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That same year, he earned a call-up to the Super Eagles following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
With six domestic league titles to his name, Afelokhai is one of the most successful and decorated players in Nigerian domestic football, securing four titles with Kano Pillars in 2009/2010, 2011/2012, 2012/2013, and 2013/2014.
He was also part of the Enyimba squad that won the NPFL title in 2019 before joining Rivers United, where he secured his sixth title with the Pride of Rivers in the 2021/2022 campaign.
By Sab Osuji
