Nigerian international Okiki Afolabi joined Ethiopian Premier League defending champion Jimma AbaJifar on a one year contract. Afolabi’s loyalty is in question considering his past record.
The 24 year old giant striker Afolabi was an instrumental player in the club’s dream championship title winning the season’s top scorer award. Submitting a fraudulent document in order to move to Egyptian side Esmaelia, Afolabi was handed a six month ban from the Ethiopian Football Federation and fined about 250, 000 Birr.
After serving the six month term Afolabi is back to Jimma AbaJifar for his second spell signing a one r and half year contract agreement. Despite the team being in a chaotic situation including a nightmarish international campaign, Afolabi disproved the speculation of a move to join Mekele Seba-Enderta following Coach Gebremedin Haile who led AbaJifar to the EPL title.
There is no question among fans that the player’s return could bring a real impact on the team’s performance. But some have doubts that the player may not go through his contract term.
Afolabi’s loyalty to AbaJifar and whether Coach Zemariam W/Giorgis whose record shows no history as a footballer at the higher level could manage the player are the two of the main questions that worry club supporters. “He may walkout any time to try his luck in better leagues or life may be difficult for him under Zemariam with no history as a footballer compared to his former coach Gebremedin who has a higher caliber at the international stage,” remarked a coach who prefers anonymity.