Former Enyimba, Julius Berger, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Heartland and Dolphins goalkeeper Chijioke Ejiogu has made a remarkable return to the Nigeria Premier Football League after nearly eight years away from the game.
The 41-year-old completed a move to Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri and marked his comeback with an impressive performance in Sunday’s 1–0 victory over Bayelsa United.
Popularly known as ‘Arugo Monkey’, Ejiogu last featured in the domestic top flight in 2018 when he played for Heartland FC.
The veteran goalkeeper produced a string of important saves on his debut for Kun Khalifat to help secure all three points. Uchechukwu Onuoha scored the decisive goal in the 45th minute as the Owerri-based side held on for victory.
Bayelsa United pushed strongly for an equaliser throughout the encounter but repeatedly found Ejiogu in inspired form between the posts.
Ejiogu first gained attention in Nigerian football in 1999 with FC Arugo of Owerri, a team assembled by the late Uche Ejimofor, the first General Manager of Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now known as Heartland.
Regarded as one of the most decorated players in Nigeria’s domestic game, Ejiogu has won seven FA Cup titles across four clubs. He lifted the trophy with Julius Berger in 2002, Dolphins in 2004, 2006 and 2007, Enyimba in 2009 and 2014, and Heartland in 2012.
He also won three Nigeria Premier Football League titles with Dolphins in 2004 and Enyimba in 2009 and 2015. In addition, he claimed two Super Cup trophies with Julius Berger in 2004 and Enyimba in 2010.
Speaking after the match, the experienced shot stopper expressed delight with the victory and his return to competitive football.
“I’m happy with our win today and of course with my performance, which the fans are happy about,” Ejiogu told Completesports.com.
“I’m even happier that we won the game. Hopefully we’ll talk tomorrow,” he added.
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