Okoli working hard towards recovery

Al Mokawloon striker John Okoli set his sights on a quick return from the hamstring injury that forced him to pull out of his club's recent game against Tala’ea El Gaish at Arab Contractors Stadium.

Okoli was injured in training but his team won the Egyptian Premier League game 1-0.

The 24-year-old has scored one goal in two appearances since joining Al Mokawloon in the close-season.

He missed the game against Tala’ea El Gaish after an MRI scan showed "a grade II myofascial injury in the hamstring muscles."

It was feared Okoli might be sidelined for up to four weeks, but the goal machine hopes he will be available sooner and the former Saif Sporting Club star has reported for assessment and rehabilitation.

"I have no time to lose! Working hard towards recovery," the former MFM FC striker told the Media on Thursday.

Okoli upbeat of Al Mokawloon revival

 

Striker John Okoli is optimistic that Al Mokawloon will recover from their unlucky loss to ENPPI in the last round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Their last outing ended in a 3-2 defeat at Petrosport Stadium (al-Qāhirah (Cairo)) and the forward feels his team will reverse the situation on Thursday.

While disclosing that his team will keep working hard to reverse their form, he is upbeat that Al Mokawloon can get things ticking again.

"The main thing is that we are aware of what we are going through and what our situation is. We have three points and can perform better," Okoli told the Media.

"Al Mokawloon is an intense team, which fits in goals and especially strong defensively. We have been working every day to win always.

"We all know what we have to contribute, we are totally confident, we are all a pineapple. 

"We have to win the game [against Tala'ea El Gaish]. It is not even a matter of choice or the team we are playing but we have to win on Thursday.

"We came close to picking a point against ENPPI. However, I believe we will get our second win over Tala'ea El Gaish [since] the whole team want a win. The fans deserve a win and we will go all out to get the win for them," he added.

The Egyptian Premier League week three tie between Al Mokawloon and Tala'ea El Gaish will take place Arab Contractors Stadium (Osman Ahmed Osman Stadium) (al-Qāhirah (Cairo)) on Thursday. Kickoff is 4:30pm.

"It's very important for us to start well in our first away fixture of the season" - Okoli

 

A tough, physical encounter against ENPPI is on the cards for Saturday night’s first away league match of the season for Al Mokawloon.

The Egyptian Premier League encounter takes place at the Petrosport Stadium (al-Qāhirah (Cairo)) with kick off set for 6pm.

Last season saw the two sides playing to a 1-1 draw in Cairo. Overall, in the head-to-head record, there have been 30 matches played, with ENPPI winning 16, Al Mokawloon 5, and nine draws.

Al Mokawloon won their first game of the season against El Sharqia Dokhan 1-0 thanks to a first half strike from new signing John Okoli.

“Obviously it’s very important for us to start well in our first away fixture of the season,” said Okoli to the Media.

“So it’s vital that we go out on Saturday night and get all three points against ENPPI.

“Preparations have gone well this week. We have settled in well – everything’s in place and we know what’s expected of us on Saturday.

“ENPPI are a difficult team to play against – an aggressive, hard-running team - strong and physical, they play long balls. It will be a tough game, but we’re well prepared and looking forward to it.”

The former Saif Sporting star also emphasised that he is not under pressure to deliver.

“The team is very, very, very important. I prioritise overall success and not personal ambition. Every striker always want to score, but there is no pressure on my part to make it happen,” he said.

Okoli in dream with debut goal for Al Mowkaloon

 

John Okoli has called his debut performance for Al Mokawloon "a dream come true" after he netted the winner during a 1-0 victory against Sharkia Lel Dokhan in the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday afternoon.

All eyes were on the striker after his move to Cairo, and he did not disappoint as he struck the winner during Al Mokawloon's Premier League curtain raiser.

The former Gonyeli man spoke to the Media after the game and said while he had a 'dream' debut, he was just pleased that the Wolf picked up the three points.

"Yes of course [it was a dream debut]. To play in front of such a crowd for such a great club, it is a dream come true but the most important thing was the win," the Nigerian said.

"The win was good with one goal and a clean sheet. We started very well so we have to keep working hard.

"When you play for Al Mokawloon, everybody has a job. Mine is to keep the ball and to score the goals for the team. The team did a good job today, everybody created a lot of chances and we scored so it is promising.

"The fans want to see attractive football and we need to stick to it and try to create as much as we can, defend well as a team and I think that's what we did so the crowd was really pleased today.

"It is just the start and we need to keep working. The manager has said that there is a plan and we need to try and follow it and hopefully it will take us somewhere."

Al Mokawloon lures MFM's John Okoli to Egypt

Al Mokawloon have completed the signing of former MFM FC striker John Okoli from Saif Sporting Club.

Okoli, 24, has officially penned a three-year deal with the Mountain Wolves, meaning he will be at Nasr City until 2024.

The reliable forward had been linked with Al Mokawloon for weeks following what was arguably his best campaign in the Bangladesh Football Premier League.

The attacker, who had stints at Yenicami SK and Gönyeli S.K. in the past, scored 18 goals in 22 appearances last season.

"I am happy with my new family and I would like to thank all who contributed in the deal," Okoli told the Media.

"I didn't feel any difference, but I feel that I am at my second home. I would like to thank the club fans for their support for me and the club. I felt the same love that I found at Saif and that is the most thing that encouraged me.

"The aim is to do my best to make the fans and board happy," said the ex sharp shooter.