I-League champions Minerva Punjab FC have roped in Nigerian attacking midfielder Philip Njoku from Finnish Premier Division club FC Inter Turku ahead of the upcoming I-League and AFC Cup.
The 22 year old is a vital addition to the Mohali-based club and is a versatile attacker that can play on both left and right side of the midfield and also has the creativity to build up the game from the centre of the field. Philip Njoku also featured for the “Black and Blues” in the Suomen Cup and LiigaCup in his time at Finland.
Having excellent pace and close control on the ball with pin-point shooting accuracy makes him an automatic replacement for his fellow African Kassim Aidara who switched sides to Kolkata giants East Bengal Club.
Philip Njoku made 59 appearances for FC Inter Turku who play in the Veikkausliiga, Finland’s Premier Division and also featured for Åbo IFK who play in the Kakkonen League in Finland before moving India.
On signing at the club’s base in Mohali, Philip said, “I’m happy to join this team as it is very good. It’s my first time in India and the team has already made me feel like family here.” On asked if joining the reigning I-League champions puts pressure on him to perform, the Nigerian was quick to reply, “No No! That is what I liked about the club and that is what attracted me. I’m here to play and give my best to the team.”
Minerva Punjab FC owner and director Ranjit Bajaj was all praise about the arrival from Nigeria, “We’re excited to have Philip in our squad. He is young, strong and adds a lot of pace to the team. We’re looking forward to having him at the club for a long time.”
Having roped in Japenese snipper Yu Kukoki from Australian club Sydney Olympic FC, Philip becomes the second foreigner for the Champions of India who gear up to defend their I-League title along with preprations for the club’s maiden AFC Cup competition.