Former Nigerian international Austine Eguavoen has expressed understanding and support for Junior Nduka’s decision to join the Iraqi League, highlighting the player’s right to seek new opportunities and the financial benefits involved.
Nduka, the former Remo Stars captain, was part of the squad that won the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title last season. He also featured in the recently concluded CHAN tournament with the Home Eagles, where Nigeria exited earlier than expected. His move to Iraq has sparked debate among fans, with many questioning the choice over staying in Nigeria or exploring opportunities in more prominent African competitions.
Eguavoen praises Nduka
Speaking to Brila FM, Super Eagles Technical Director Austine Eguavoen praised Nduka’s abilities and stressed that the decision to move abroad is ultimately a personal one.
“First of all, I want to say congratulations to the boy; he is a very good player, no doubt about that,” Eguavoen said. “I also know that the owner of Remo Stars will not stop any of his players from seeking new opportunities, so this was all down to the player himself.”
Eguavoen noted that while staying in Remo Stars would have allowed Nduka to showcase his talents in the CAF Champions League, the move abroad offers other advantages, particularly financially.
“Honestly speaking, I think because of the club playing in the CAF Champions League, it would have been another market for him to showcase his talent, but who knows tomorrow? Nobody knows,” Eguavoen explained.
Financial incentive a major factor
One of the key reasons behind Nduka’s transfer, according to Eguavoen, is the financial package on offer. The Iraqi League, while not as prestigious as African continental competitions, provides players with lucrative contracts that can secure their future.
“His moving to Iraq is so obvious that the money will be financially satisfactory; the money he will be paid in the country will be more than what he was seeing in Remo Stars,” Eguavoen said.
The Super Eagles Technical Director emphasized that life after football is an important consideration for players making career moves. While the CAF Champions League offers exposure and competitive football, the financial security from playing abroad can be equally significant.
“Life after football is very important. Again, you can’t compare the Iraqi league to our CAF Champions League, but from there, he could end up playing in Saudi Arabia; no one can tell,” Eguavoen added.
National team prospects
Eguavoen also touched on how the move could affect Nduka’s future with the national team. While the Technical Director expressed hope that Nduka could return to the Super Eagles setup, he acknowledged the challenges of monitoring players in leagues that are less visible internationally.
“We wish him well; hopefully we will see him back in the national team as fast as possible, but not when he is playing in Iraq,” he concluded.
Nduka’s career trajectory
Junior Nduka’s career has been marked by steady progress in Nigerian football. Leading Remo Stars to their NPFL triumph and participating in the CHAN tournament has established him as one of the country’s promising talents. His move abroad represents the next step in a career aimed at maximizing both personal growth and financial stability.
The decision to move to Iraq may also open doors for future transfers to leagues in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, which are known for investing heavily in foreign talent. For many Nigerian players, these moves can provide not only competitive salaries but also the chance to gain experience in different football cultures.
A broader perspective
Eguavoen’s comments reflect a broader understanding within Nigerian football circles of the challenges players face in balancing career development, exposure, and financial security. While fans may question the choice to leave local competitions, the reality is that players must weigh multiple factors, including their post-playing lives, when making career decisions.
For Nduka, the Iraqi League offers a new challenge and the potential for financial reward. Eguavoen’s support underscores the importance of respecting players’ choices and recognizing that career paths in football are rarely linear.
As Nduka embarks on this new chapter, Nigerian fans will watch with interest to see whether his move abroad helps him grow as a player and eventually return to the national team stronger than before.
