judeaneke.blogspot.com
Aneke receiving the SUN Awards for his 20-goal feat
The football fraternity in Egypt will have to wait till October to assess Jude Aneke, Nigeria’s biggest football export to the Egyptian Premier League. Aneke, who is the all-time goal scorer in the Nigeria Premier League, got a hero’s welcome when he arrived Egypt to begin life as a professional. Al Masry displayed picture and videos of some of the striker's goals on their website before his arrival. Aneke also set a Nigerian transfer record when he joined Warri Wolves from Kaduna United in a deal worth N12 million (about $80,000). Call him a fox-in-the-box and you won't be wrong. Aneke, one of the few graduates playing professional football is also good with his head and has canons packed in his boots. It will soon be time for business as a huge assignment awaits Aneke, who has to emulate the heroics of previous Nigerian stars, Emmanuel Amuneke and John Utaka. Both players were household names in Egypt. Amuneke left Zamalek a club legend after winning several titles and the defunct Champions Cup (now Caf Champions League) while Utaka was topscorer in Egypt (1999/2000) and won the defunct African Cup Winners Cup (now Caf Confederation Cup) with Arab Contractors in 1996. Ironically, the duo arrived Egypt without funfair, while Aneke received accolades for his historic goal scoring form in Nigeria’s elite class “I received calls from journalists who wanted to know more about me and when I arrived Cairo, my name was all over the airport,” Aneke said to supersport.com. Masry debut Interestingly, the Nigerian will have to wait for another year to make his debut for Masry as the club will not be part of the 2012/2013 season due to violet clash during a home match against bitter rivals, Al Ahly Nationale. Several fans lost their lives on matchday and Masry came under heavy criticism for poor handling of the situation. As a result, Aneke has been sent on loan at another top flight side, Al-Dakhyela, (owned by the Ministry of Interior) based in the capital, Cairo. “Two Masry players are also on loan at Dakhleya and they’ve told me a lot about the club. “With the situation, I have to start at Dakhleya and can’t wait for October when the league resumes,” he told supersport.com. The Ahly Nationale angle Aneke’s transfer to Masry is indeed a funny tale as the club was not amongst the early suitors. Masry’s bitter rivals, Al Ahly were to be the destination of Aneke, but he was expected for trials. However, there was a twist as the famous club wanted to see the Nigerian, but his agent turned down the proposal. At this point, Ahly’s Cairo rivals, Zamalek, and Port Said-based Masry, got a hint and moved to get the Nigerian. “Ahly wanted me on trials before taking a decision, but my agent insisted video evidence was enough for their officials. “Masry were convinced after watching my videos and sent me a contract immediately. I’m happy to be in Egypt,” Aneke said to supersport.com. From Russia to Egypt Masry are actually benefiting from the inability of the Nigerian to head for Russia, where top flight side, Amkar Perm, had a deal waiting. “The Russian Embassy delayed my journey. Amkar Perm had a deal for me but for visa problems. “We had to forget about the Russian offer when Masry made their intention,” he stated. Profile Name: Jude Aneke Former Clubs: Mgbo Ambassadors, Ebonyi Angels, Anambra United, Kaduna United Personal Record: NPL All-time Scorer – 20 goals (2010/2011)
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