By Gerard Mulreaney (@gerardmulreaney)
Sligo Rovers, who have a reputation for thinking outside the box when it comes to their transfer business, hope to have pulled another rabbit out of the hat with their latest signing, Nigerian striker Brendan Ogbu. The signing is subject to a work permit and international clearance.
Ogbu 25, has spent most of his career playing in the Nigeria National League for Enugu Rangers, FC Heartland, Warri Wolves, Ifeanyi, Rangers International and FC Heartland.
Last season the striker scored 12 goals in 14 matches for Bayelsa United and moves to Sligo to link up with new boss Liam Buckley. During his time playing for FC Heartland he won the Nigerian FA Cup, taking the man of the match award in the final. He was also named player of the year after scoring 17 goals.
Liam Buckley said he was delighted to finally capture his signature having missed out previously, “Brendan can play across the front three including as a number nine. He came across my radar at St Patrick’s Athletic but at the time we had Christy Fagan and he wasn’t available then afterwards.”
Buckley felt strikers are hard to come by in Ireland so needed to look elsewhere saying, “We needed to broaden our search in looking for a striker because it’s a limited market and Brendan has proven himself as a goalscorer in Nigeria as someone I feel is worth bringing here.
“He’s a big lad, very dangerous around the penalty area and he’s going to bring something we’re looking for.”
“It’s up to the team to be playing well to create chances and I think he’ll relish this opportunity. We’re looking forward to him joining up with us.”
Ogbu, who’s been trying to gain an opportunity overseas said, “I have been so keen to receive a chance like this and prove myself in Europe. I can’t wait to meet all the Sligo fans and I want to help the team have a very good season.”
“I will be prepared correctly to play for Sligo Rovers and try to score goals like I have done in Nigeria for many years.”