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A Libyan giant snapped up the top scorer in the Football League last season just days after joining a new club in the league.
Libyan powerhouse Al Ittihad SC has secured the signature of Chijioke Mbaoma, the reigning top scorer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), mere days after he was unveiled as a Heartland FC player.
The 21-year-old striker, who took the NPFL by storm last season, has agreed to a two-year deal with the North African club, cutting short what would have been a keenly anticipated stint with the Naze Millionaires.
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Mbaoma's exceptional performance in the previous season saw him net 17 goals for Enyimba, Nigeria's most decorated club.
This prolific form earned him the NPFL Golden Boot and saw him crowned as the league's best player.
Al Ittihad SC, recognising the young Nigerian's potential, moved swiftly to acquire his services. In a statement, the club highlighted Nigeria's reputation for producing world-class attackers:
"Nigeria has long been known as the mine of attackers who have left indelible marks in the world of round leather. From there, we brought in their league's top scorer and best player as well."
The transfer comes as a significant blow to Heartland FC and their new manager, Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke.
Mbaoma had already made his debut for Heartland, featuring in their 3-1 defeat to Rivers United in what turned out to be his first and only appearance for the club.
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This rapid transfer shows the growing interest in Nigerian talent from clubs across Africa and beyond. For Mbaoma, the move to Libya represents a new challenge and an opportunity to showcase his goal-scoring prowess on a different stage.
Heartland and the NPFL are left to reflect on the loss of one of their brightest young stars. The episode also raises questions about player contracts and the ability of Nigerian clubs to retain their top talents in the face of interest from abroad.
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