Former Enyimba FC striker Chijioke Mbaoma's football career is at risk after a controversial transfer to Libyan club Al Ittihad. The 21-year-old, who was the NPFL top scorer with 17 goals for the 2023/24 season, recently signed a two-year contract with the Tripoli-based team.

Al Ittihad confirmed the signing on their official Instagram account, praising Nigeria’s legacy of producing top strikers: “Nigeria has always been a goldmine for strikers. From there, we have brought in their top scorer, Chijioke Mbaoma, to Tripoli.”

However, investigations have revealed that Mbaoma allegedly bypassed key agents to close the deal, potentially endangering his career.

How It Unfolded

After finishing as the NPFL's top scorer, Mbaoma was eager to continue his career in Europe. When agents failed to secure a deal before the transfer window closed, Sengue Bang, CEO of Kama Bang Enterprises, was contacted. Bang attracted interest from 16 clubs, with Al Ittihad offering the highest bid. Though Egyptian clubs also showed interest, they required trials, which frustrated Mbaoma, prompting him to pursue the Libyan offer.

Bang facilitated negotiations with Al Ittihad and shared details with Mbaoma. However, Mbaoma and his representative, Dr. Ikenna Obi, allegedly went behind Bang’s back to finalize the deal without him.

In a statement to Exclusive News, an outraged Sengue Bang vowed to take legal action: “I was hesitant to work with African players again, but I gave Chijioke a chance. After drafting the commission for all parties, Dr. Obi and Anthony Chuks Ozurumba disagreed and cut me out of the deal. While I don’t want to harm Mbaoma’s career, if they don’t rectify this, my next step could end his playing days and tarnish the reputation of those involved.”

Ozurumba Chuks, who presented himself as Mbaoma’s agent and the president of his academy, denied Bang’s claims, stating that Festus Aideagben, a former player and agent, facilitated the deal. Aideagben confirmed his role, dismissing Bang’s involvement and crediting two other agents for brokering the agreement with Al Ittihad.

The controversy now casts a shadow over Mbaoma’s future, with legal action looming and the player's career hanging in the balance.