Ghanaians make a splash again

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