The Ghanaian duo of Owusu Addae and James Amankwei were among the most outstanding foreigners in the Nigeria Premier League, which was concluded on Sunday.
Both players made significant contributions in the colours of their respective Nigerian teams, Dolphins and Juth.
Ironically, Addae’s goals helped his team to the 2010/2011 NPL title, while Amankwei’s goals were not enough to retain the top flight status for his Jos based Juth.
Addae now joins other Ghanaian legends like Edward Ansah, John Benson, Arthur Moses and Joetex Frimpong, who won the Nigerian League.
There are strong indications that Amankwei will join Addae at Dolphins to boost the Ghanaian contingent at the Port-Harcourt side.
Addae The former Berekum Arsenal and Liberty Professionals star ended the season on a high as his goal ensured Dolphins recorded an important road trip victory at Bukola Babes to topple Sunshine on the last day of the season.
Sunshine was on top of the table before the last round of matches and would have won the league if the rookies didn’t lose to Dolphins. Owerri-based Heartland gave Addae his Nigerian break, but he headed for Dolphins to continue his Nigerian adventure.
It was at Dolphins at Addae blossomed and wormed his way into the hearts of the fans and coaches. His work rate is outstanding on match days. Like the typical Ghanaian footballer, Addae combines physical strength, pace and intelligence to breakdown the defence of opponents.
In the early days of the league, the Ghanaian became one of the best stars with crucial goals for the Port Harcourt side. Although Dolphins lost the top-of-the-table clash at Sunshine Stars, Addae ensured the defence led by Godfrey Oboabana had anxious moments.
In fact, he intelligently connected a well-taken pull-out from the right flank that left Sunshine’s goalkeeper, Moses Ocheje confused for the curtain-raiser.Addae had earlier told SuperSport.com that he’s enjoying football in Nigeria.
“There is more money in Nigerian football than Ghana. The players are well paid in terms of salaries, allowances and sign-on-fees,” Addae said to SuperSport.com.
With the NPL title after seven years, the time has truly come for a bumper harvest as the state government is expected to roll out the drums for celebration.
The last time Dolphins won the league, players and officials received cars. It’s Addae’s time to receive a car for helping his team to the zenith of the NPL. Perhaps, this feat would also lead to recognition back home in Ghana as former Ghanaian Internationals like Ansah, Benson, Moses and Frimpong made their “Black Stars” after club success in Nigeria. Amankwe.
The Juth forward started the season like a house of fire, but couldn’t maintain the tempo no thanks to injury. In fact, the relegation of his team could be traced to his absence in the team’s target.
At a time, he had to travel to Ghana for treatment on his leg. Amankwei has tasted life in both divisions in Nigeria and a lot was expected from him when he helped the team return to the top flight.
The Ghanaian who is a fan of Ghanaian second division side, Accra Great Olympics, told SuperSport.com that his career has improved in Nigeria.
“I only played grassroots football in Ghana. My ambition was to travel to Malaysia, then an agent convinced me to play for Juth in Nigeria.
“The truth is I have enjoyed my game in Nigeria and have no regrets at all. My game has improved both mentally and physically. Today, my performance in Juth has earned me recognition back home in Ghana. I intend to spend sometime in Nigeria before going abroad,” Amankwei stated.
Interestingly, the Ghanaian who made the NPL Team of the Week several times became a transfer target of Dolphins during the mid-season break. Juth ensured the transfer wasn’t successful because of their desire to fight relegation.
Juth may have gone down, but it’s certain that their Ghanaian jewel won’t go down with them. Sources at Dolphins hinted SuperSport.com that they will continue their quest for Amankwei at the end of the season.
The Ghanaian was also a target of Kano Pillars gaffer, Isa Ladan Bosso. Amankwei believes his time will come to play for Ghana one day.
