Official: Saudi Arabia’s Al Kholood sign Ochigbo, Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong to mentor youngster

Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood have officially signed Nigerian teenager Ambrose Ochigbo on loan from Tunisian club ES Zarzis, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 19-year-old midfielder joins Al Kholood on a deal that runs until the end of the season, with the Saudi club paying a loan fee of €96,000 to Zarzis.

The agreement includes an option for Al Kholood to make the move permanent. Ochigbo’s contract with the Tunisian side is set to expire in June 2026.

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Ochigbo has already linked up with his new team and trained alongside Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who has embraced the role of mentor.

Troost-Ekong, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations' Most Valuable Player, welcomed the teenager with a photo of them in training, captioned: “Welcome Ambrose Ochigbo to @AlkholoodClub. Exciting young Nigerian talent, the hard work starts now my boy.“

Welcome to Ambrose Ochigbo to @AlkholoodClub. Exciting young Nigerian talent, the hard work starts now my boy! https://t.co/DAyMP7zAxr

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) January 28, 2025

The veteran defender is expected to guide Ochigbo through the early stages of his professional career, which has already shown promise.

Born in Nigeria, Ochigbo caught the attention of scouts before joining the ES Zarzis academy, where he impressed enough to earn a promotion to the senior team for the 2024/25 season.

He played in 15 of Zarzis’ 16 league matches, starting 13, scoring one goal, and providing one assist.

His contributions helped Zarzis secure nine wins, five draws, and just two losses, leaving them fourth in the Tunisian Ligue I Pro standings, two points behind leaders Stade Tunisien.

Ochigbo will be eager to make an impact at Al Kholood and is likely to debut this weekend when the club faces Al-Ittihad in a Saudi Pro League matchday 18 fixture.