Nigerian Striker Gives Up Super Eagles Hope With Shock Transfer Move

Moving from Europe to Asia is never the best choice for a player looking to be part of the national team set up, and Leke James is likely aware of the implications of his switch to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian Professional League club Al-Qadisiyah have pulled off a transfer coup by signing Nigerian striker Leke James on undisclosed terms.

The 28-year-old goal-getter became a free agent earlier in January after running out of his contract with Norwegian giants Molde.

James’ prolific scoring record In Norway and Europe means he was not short of interested suitors in his services.

Even Molde did not hide their desire to tie down the former Aalesunds FK star to a new deal.

But despite being courted by a host of clubs in Europe and North Africa, James has agreed to join Al-Qadisiyah, a side currently sitting 10th on the Saudi Arabia Professional League table.

In a short statement after the deal was confirmed, James told Al-Qadisiyah’s YouTube page: “I am delighted to have signed with Al-Qadisiyah Football Club, I am looking forward to joining this great club.”

The move could see James say goodbye to his chances of playing for the Super Eagles.

The exciting forward had been turning heads and presenting himself as an attacking option for Nigeria following his exploits for Molde.

Across 83 matches for the Norwegian club, James banged in 43 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Seven of those goals came in seventeen appearances in European competitions for the club.

Union Berlin’s Taiwo Awoniyi, Crotone’s Simy Nwankwo, Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, and Genk’s Paul Onuachu are likely to be the attacking options considered by Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr for the Afcon-qualifying games in March.