Nigerian Midfielder States Mission In Israel

Michael Junior Omoh made his debut for Hapoel Kfar Saba last week, after signing for the club last month, and he has his eyes set on personal and collective targets

Hapoel Kfar Saba's latest Nigerian import Michael Omoh has declared that he moved to Israel to win trophies and create for himself a legacy similar to that of his predecessors.

Omoh joined the Israeli Premier League side on a free transfer from Romanian club Politehnica Iași in mid-August and was an 85th-minute substitute as coach Amir Turgeman's men eked out a 2-1 win at home to Hapoel Tel Aviv on the opening day of the new season.

The attacking midfielder becomes the second Nigerian at Hapoel Kfar Saba, joining former Partizani Tirana centre-back Sodiq Atanda, who is a mainstay of the club's defence.

Before the duo became a part of the Israeli Premier League history, there have been loads of Nigerian stars who have made a positive impact over the years.

Former Super Eagles striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who once spent a year on loan at Hapoel Kfar Saba, is a two-time Israeli league winner, same as legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

The likes of Dele Aiyenugba, Dimaku Felis, Anthony Nwakaeme, and John Ogu also left a good legacy in Israel, and Omoh is keen on following their footsteps.

“The league has produced lots of fantastic players from Nigeria,” the 29-year-old attacking midfielder told the Nation.

“It's a familiar league to Nigeria players, and that's one of the considerations for me when the deal came.

“When the offer came, I thought about Nigerian players that had made it good there, and it gives me the courage to consider it good for myself.

“Like every other Nigeria player who had done wonderfully well in the league, I want to continue in that direction and keep the good legacy of Nigerian players there. I want to join the league of successful Nigerian players in Israel who have won trophies in Israel.”

Omoh won the Superetten league title with Mjallby last year, scoring three goals in 13 appearances for the Swedish side.