Controversy Erupts Over Chijioke Mbaoma’s Al Ittihad Contract Amidst Agency Disputes

The recent signing of former Enyimba FC striker, Chijioke Mbaoma, with Al Ittihad SC in Libya has sparked a series of controversies and disputes, with one agency, Kama Bang Enterprise Limited, alleging it was sidelined in the process. Chijioke Mbaoma, who recently emerged as the highest goal scorer in the 2023/24 NPFL season with 17 goals, two more than runner-up Sikiru Alimi of Remo Stars, is at the center of a legal battle that may have significant implications for his career.

Kama Bang Enterprise Limited, led by Sengue Bang, claims they played a pivotal role in connecting Mbaoma to Al Ittihad and were allegedly pushed out of the final deal negotiations. The Libyan club, based in Tripoli, confirmed Mbaoma’s arrival through their official Instagram account, lauding Nigeria as a “goldmine for strikers” and celebrating the acquisition of the league’s top scorer. However, an independent investigation revealed a complex web of intermediaries and disputes over agency roles.

Bang insists he was instrumental in introducing Mbaoma to various clubs, including Al Ittihad, following failed attempts by other agents to secure a European deal. After clubs in Egypt and Tunisia expressed interest in trials, which Mbaoma rejected, Bang proceeded with the Libyan offer, facilitating contacts and sharing contract details with Mbaoma. Yet, after Bang’s involvement, other agents allegedly took over the process without his knowledge or consent.

The contract’s development involved Dr. Ikenna Obi, introduced as a representative of Mbaoma’s Nigerian football academy, and authorized by academy President Ozurumba Chuks. According to Bang, the disagreements started when he proposed a commission-sharing structure among the involved parties. This proposal was met with resistance from Obi and Chuks, who Bang claims subsequently sidelined him in finalizing the deal.

In an interview with BSN Sports, Bang expressed frustration and disclosed plans to pursue legal action to recover his dues. He voiced disappointment with the handling of the process, stating, “I was reluctant to work with African players again, but I made an exception after assurances that Mbaoma was a high-potential player.” Bang claims that Chuks and Obi acted unilaterally, potentially endangering Mbaoma’s career by leaving out key contributors to the deal.

Bang also highlighted inconsistencies in Chuks’ representation of Mbaoma. According to a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Enyimba FC in 2022, Chuks identified himself as both agent and manager of Mbaoma, but his agency’s details were not listed in the agreement. Chuks further introduced Obi as the intermediary during the Al Ittihad negotiations, a claim Bang disputes.

Ozurumba Chuks, however, denies Bang’s version of events, asserting that Bang had no role in securing the Libyan contract. According to Chuks, “Mr. Bang was not the one who brought the contract. I called Dr. Obi to secure a ten-day mandate, and while we had been in touch with several clubs since June, the Al Ittihad offer became a viable option after the European transfer window closed.”

Chuks further clarified that a former player and agent, Festus Aideagben, initiated the Al Ittihad deal. Festus corroborated Chuks’ statement, asserting that he was the primary facilitator of the deal and that Bang’s involvement was minimal. Festus credited his associates, including an Arab intermediary, Wesam, and Al Ittihad’s Director of Sports, Walid Khalifa, for executing the deal.

This complex situation highlights the often convoluted nature of football contracts and agency disputes. With multiple agents and representatives involved, the legitimacy of claims can be challenging to establish. In this case, Chijioke Mbaoma’s contract with Al Ittihad has become mired in controversy, with various parties vying for recognition and compensation.

Bang remains adamant that he played a critical role in securing the deal and contends that Chuks and Obi’s actions breached industry norms. “I have all necessary documents, and if the matter escalates, I may take legal steps that could affect the player’s eligibility and the reputations of those involved,” he warned, suggesting a potential threat to Mbaoma’s future if the dispute isn’t resolved amicably.

While Bang’s claims of sidelining and commission disagreements fuel the controversy, Chuks and his associates stand firm in their narrative. Chuks maintains that his academy and representatives were the sole agents of the deal, with Bang’s involvement, if any, deemed irrelevant to Al Ittihad’s decision to contract Mbaoma.

Festus, who claims he oversaw the entire process, reiterates that Bang had no influence on the negotiations. According to Festus, Al Ittihad’s leadership was aware of who facilitated the deal and worked directly with him and his associates, rejecting any assertions from Bang regarding his role.

As it stands, the controversy over Mbaoma’s Al Ittihad contract exemplifies the challenges and disputes that often plague agency interactions within football. For the player, who is coming off an impressive NPFL season, the dispute represents an unfortunate cloud over his international ambitions. How the matter unfolds will likely depend on whether the involved parties can negotiate a settlement or if legal intervention becomes inevitable.

Mbaoma’s move to Al Ittihad, intended to elevate his career, now finds itself under scrutiny due to conflicting interests among agents. With potential lawsuits and career threats on the horizon, his career trajectory could be impacted by the outcome of this legal battle.