New arrival at Pyramids FC of Egypt, Azubuike Okechukwu has disclosed that the deal that took him to the new money bags of North Africa was not his personal choice, but one imposed on his by his last club in Turkey, Yeni Malatyaspor.
In what is akin to a recent confession by Ahmed Musa that his move to Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia was forced on him by Leicester City, because of the money they were offered, Okechukwu has revealed a similar scenario that took him to Egypt last week.
Okechukwu, who has one cap with the Super Eagles, was linked with some La Liga clubs in the past month, but his former club opted for ambitious Pyramids in Egypt’s top flight.
Pyramids are owned by Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Turki al-Sheikh, who is determined to upset the old order of Al Ahly and Zamalek’s dominance in Egypt.
Though the former under-23 national team captain insists the move to Egypt will not in any way derail his career, the battling midfielder stressed that he would have preferred sticking out in Europe in order to lay a stronger claim for a recall to the Eagles.
Okechukwu interjected that his career is still firmly on the right track after joining the big spending Pyramids last weekend.
The 21-year-old midfield battler had been prominent with Malatyaspor for two seasons, with a key role in their debut Turkish Super Lig season, when they placed tenth on the log.
The former Bayelsa United of Yenegoa star has already joined his new mates in training and, while hoping to feature in their next match against El Dakhleya, he says the biggest target on his mind is to revive his national team hopes.
“I will come to the national team and play for my nation. I am as positive as ever to play for the Super Eagles and the dream is still alive.
“Everyone knows that the Egyptian league is one of the best in Africa and Pyramids are very ambitious.
“The President called me personally to tell me of his project and I will give them my all in the time I spend there.
“It was not an easy decision for me. I surely wanted to stay in Europe but my former club insisted on taking the tempting offer from Pyramids,” Okechukwu said.
