Big spending Dolphins recruit against Hearts

Accra, Feb 3, GNA - Big spending Nigerian soccer champions, Dolphins of Port Hacourt who are scheduled to meet Accra Hearts of Oak in the second round of the African Champions League have embarked on massive recruitment in preparation for the encounter.

Dolphins who won the 2004 league and the F.A. Cup convincingly, compelling the Rivers State Government, owners of the club to reward all 27 players and seven officials with a brand new V.W. Golf car each have poached a dozen class performers from other clubs to beef up their already star studded team.

Under 23 goalkeeper Uche Akubuike from Julius Berger.

In addition to the goalkeeper, four defenders have also joined the fold of the Nigerian champions to check the attacking fluidity of the Phobians.

They are Obina Nnodim from Julius Berger, Alex Nwokolo from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Gbenga Awonisi of Union Bank and Emmanuel Idache from Wiiki Tourist.

Victor Babayaro, a dare devil ball winner and distributor from Wiiki Tourist tops the list of four midfielders recruited for Africa. Others are Iyasere Odili of Julius Berger, Bola Adedeji from Pepsi Academy and Emma Ayodeji of NPA.

Three attackers made up of Endurance Idahor - Julius Berger, Gordwin Ekechukwu - Iwuanyawu Nationale and Efere Edward of Pepsi Academy complete the list.

Dolphins are coached by Ghanaian Philip Boamah who had a stint with Okwawu United early in the 2004 season before relocating to Dolphins after receiving the boot from the management of the soccer mountaineers.