Done Deal: Al-Ittihad SC sign NPFL top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma from Heartland FC

Chijioke Mbaoma, the top scorer of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) last season, has completed a move to Libyan giants Al-Ittihad SC, Soccernet.ng reports.

The prolific striker has reportedly signed a two-year contract with the Tripoli-based club following an outstanding season in Nigeria.

Mbaoma, 21, scored 17 goals last term for NPFL side Enyimba before briefly joining Heartland FC earlier this summer.

His goalscoring exploits earned him the NPFL Golden Boot as well as the prestigious Player of the Season award. Now, the young forward is set to take on a new challenge in the Libyan Premier League.

In a statement released on Al-Ittihad’s official Instagram account, the club praised Nigeria’s reputation for producing top strikers. The post read:

“Nigeria has always been known as a goldmine for strikers who have left an indelible mark on the world of football.

“From there, we brought in their league’s top scorer and best player as well — Chijioke Mbaoma has arrived in Tripoli.”

Al-Ittihad, the most successful club in Libya with 19 league titles, are gearing up for the 2024-25 season under coach Osama Al-Hammadi.

The club sees Mbaoma as a crucial addition to its squad as they aim to retain domestic dominance and make an impact in continental competitions.

With clubs from Libya and Tunisia vying for his signature, Al-Ittihad reportedly made a strong financial offer to secure the Nigerian star.

Mbaoma’s arrival in Tripoli was finalised earlier this week, and he will now look to replicate his NPFL success in North Africa, where fans eagerly anticipate his goal-scoring feats.

Mbaoma is expected to join his new teammates in Turkey, where the club is currently holding its pre-season training camp.