By Ojeikere Aikhoje
Over the years, the Nigerian League has remained a veritable platform for Ghanaians to excel.
The likes of Leotis Boateng, Edward Ansah, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Arthur Moses, Ben Kluvi and the Frimpong brothers, Joetex and Eric are some of the Ghanaians who have excelled in Nigeria.
In fact, Boateng was even capped by Nigeria and was in the Green Eagles squad at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
Joetex Frimpong’s goal-scoring exploit was recognised by former Nigeria Under-23 team coach, Godwin Uwua, who invited him to the team. However, he wasn’t capped at that level and Ghana eventually gave him a chance to play for the Black Stars.
Ironically, Joetex’s younger brother, Eric, has pledged his international future to Nigeria.
Naijapremierleague.net's OJEIKERE AIKHOJE writes on the success story of Ghanaians in the NIgerian League.
2010/11
The 2010/11 Nigeria Premier League is already two weeks old with Ghanaians making a statement.
James AMANKWEI: Juth
In less than three years, Amankwei has wormed his way into the hearts of the club’s fans.
He has attributed his success in front of goal to a Ghanaian, Joetex Frimpong, who made history as a potent goal scorer in Nigeria.
Speaking with naijapremierleague.net, he said “I don’t know Joetex Frimpong, but his performance for Enyimba in the Nigerian league and the Caf Champions League is all that has motivated me so far. I heard a lot about his goal-scoring feat, that’s why I work hard all the time.
Interestingly, Amankwei shares similar experience with Frimpong as both players didn’t play club football in their native Ghana.
“I only played grassroots football in Ghana. I didn’t have the opportunity to play for any Ghanaian club. Juth is my first professional club,” he stated.
On the first day of the season, the Ghanaian left Port-Harcourt a hero after scoring a spectacular goal against host, Sharks.
“The goal came during added time. It was a bicycle-kick that displaced the goalkeeper. It was a joyful time for me because we got a draw away from home,” he noted.
With two goals in two matches, fans of his Jos team already see him as their new goal king.
The forward who hails from the Greater Accra region is a fan of Accra Great Olympics, one of Ghana’s Premier League sides.
Former Club in Ghana: None
Owusu ADDAE: Dolphins
Heartland gave offered Owusu chance to play football in Nigeria and the Ghanaian has since become a hit.
He played alongside compatriot, Aziz Ansah, at Heartland, but headed for Dolphins in a mid-season transfer. However, he registered two goals in the Caf Champions League before leaving Heartland.
Addae told naijapremierleague.net that the Nigerian League has been boosted his career.
“The remuneration is better in Nigerian than Ghana. I have no regrets coming to play in Nigeria,” he stated.
Addae scored on match day one to give his team an away win at Plateau United.
Former Club in Ghana: Liberty Professionals
Charles TAYLOR: Enugu Rangers
The experienced Charles Taylor joined Enugu Rangers in 2009.
In his short campaign during the 2009/10 season, Taylor proved his experience would be useful to the team.
The former Hearts of Oak and Ashanti Kotoko playmaker is yet to score this term.
Former Club in Ghana: Accra Hearts of Oak, Kumasi Ashanti Kotoko
2010/11 NPL Ghanaians
James Amankwei: Juth 2 goals
Owusu Addae: Dolphins 1 goal
Charles Taylor: Rangers
Joseph Tagoe: Sharks
Ahmed Mohammed: Plateau Utd
Joseph Jackson: Heartland
2009/10
Owusu Addae: Heartland/Dolphins
Aziz Ansah: Heartland
Isaac Amposah: Heartland
Joseph Tagoe: Sharks
Charles Asamoah: Sharks
Stephen Owusu: Sharks
Eric Frimpong: Enyimba
Famous Ghanaians
Benjamin Sellas Tetteh Midfielder
Edward Ansah Goalkeeper
Honours: League & Cup winner at Leventis Utd & Iwuanyanwu Nationale
Ben Kluvi Goalkeeper
Honours: Won WAFU Cup and CAF Cup at Bendel Insurance
John Benson Defender
Honours: League & Cup winner at Leventis Utd & Iwuanyanwu Nationale
Arthur Moses Forward
Honours: League & Highest Goal scorer 1992
Joetex Frimpong Forward
Honours: CAF Champions League winner (2003 & 2004)
CAF Super FA Cup winner 2004 & 2005
League & FA Cup Winner at Enyimba
Joint-Highest Goal Scorer Award (2002)
Eric Frimpong Winger
Honours: FA Cup Bronze Medal at Niger Tornadoes
Joseph Tagoe Forward
Honours: FA Cup Silver Medal at Sharks
