One of the country's most successful players on the continent in recent times will likely end the year without a club
With a statement on their website, Egyptian Premier League powerhouse, Al Ahly, have announced the termination of the contract of Nigerian forward Junior Ajayi effective immediately.
Amir Tawfik, head of Al Ahly's marketing and transfers departments, says he consulted with the club's president Mahmoud El-Khatib before parting ways with Ajayi. He maintained that Ajayi's contract termination was by mutual consent.
Ajayi joined Al Ahly from Tunisian side CS Sfaxien in 2016 for a reported fee of €2.5 million after winning a bronze medal with the Nigerian Dream Team at the Rio Olympic Games.
The Owerri-born forward quickly became a fans' favourite at the Cairo-based club, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 39 games across all competitions in his debut season.
Ajayi's time with Al Ahly was more successful than many would have expected after helping the Red Devils lift four Egyptian Premier Leagues, two Egypt Cups, two Egyptian Super Cups, two CAF Champions Leagues, and the CAF Super Cup.
But injuries and loss of form have not allowed Ajayi time to impress South African coach Pitso Mosimane, with the 25-year-old failing to make a single appearance for Al Ahly this season.
And after 41 goals, 30 assists, 161 appearances, and 11 titles, one-cap Nigerian international Ajayi leaves Africa's most successful club right before the winter transfer window opens.
There’s nothing wrong with the guy..the coach he’s flavouring his own south Africa brother..
Wish u good luck junior ajayi..pls kindly find your way down to Europe or come back home and start afresh
Ajayi is star any day any time.
I want to participate in your weekend games and promise to do as you requested.
Come home brother no place like home find a club here everybody is not to
play outside nigeria
Says who? Are you a pessimist or a sadist? He should come home and be like you abi wetin you dey talk? He should get himself grafted into another team and prove to be good or even the best that’s what would make him a indispensable.
Junior ayayi was my junior in secondary school.. His elder brother is my friend…
His dad died as a coach and scout in my area at alimosho in Lagos.. We were all happy to see junior become a successful player.. It’s a pity. Anyway I wish him all the best..
Just saw this now.
I believe its the South African Xenophobia that befell Ajayi Jnr. He should move on he is still young and he still has alot of football in him.
Coming back home is not a way forward but a way backward for every professional footballer who have not played with a top flight clubs in Europe to the point of his retirement. Believe it or not your coach his here to expose you to another favorable deal/signing.