Saudi club unveils Super Eagles forward in 600-year-old castle

Super Eagles forward has teamed up with Saudi Cup champions, Al Fayhaa and was unveiled in a 600-year-old castle

Anthony Nwakaeme’s contract with Trabzonspor expired at the end of last season and the 33-year-old forward didn’t agree with the club on a new deal.

The former Hapoel Beer Sheva forward had his best return in the Turkish league last term and helped Trabzonspor emerge league winners for the first time in 38 years.

While he had been linked with various moves to clubs in Turkey including the historic Galatasaray, Nwakaeme’s nomadic football journey settled for a place in Saudi Arabia and was welcomed in a grand manner.

The attacker joined Al Fayhaa on a two-year deal till 2024 and is expected to play against Odion Ighalo’s Al Hilal in his first game on Wednesday.

The club in an announcement on Thursday said;

“The pride we have in our heritage and the glory of our ancestors led us to choose Munikh Castle, built over 600 years ago, which symbolises steadfastness and strength, as the venue for welcoming newly-signed Al Fayhaa player Anthony Nwakaeme through one of the most famous folk arts in Saudi Arabia.”

Nwakaeme vs Ighalo: Battle for Saudi Pro League’s Scorer’s Prize

Ighalo finished last season as top scorer in the Saudi league with 23 goals. His team Al Hilal also emerged champions for the third straight season.

They however lost the final of the Saudi King’s Cup to Nwakaeme’s new club Al Fayhaa.

Nwakaeme is also a proven goalscorer having impressed in his previous clubs – Hapoel Beer Sheva and Trabzonspor. While Ighalo has had opportunities to play in established European Leagues including La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League, he has also had an equally nomadic career.

Both journeymen will bring their experience to bear in Saudi league as they aim to help their employers achieve success.

Nwakaeme is expected to compete for the top scorer’s prize in the league.

The burly forward has just a Super Eagles appearance to his name in a match against Algeria in 2017 under Gernot Rohr.