Austrian club, Grazer AK captures Benedict Akwuegbu FC Duo

 

Austrian Football League side, Grazer AK are set to complete the signing of Nigerian duo Stephen Arum Bulus and Hassan Umar from Nationwide League One side, Benedict Akwuegbu FC. 

Bulus and Umar are expected in Austrian capital Vienna on Thursday (Tomorrow) ahead of the deal, which is said to have been initiated by former Super Eagles forward and President of the Club, Benedict Akwuegbu.

Both Bulus and Umar will be perfect for the Austrian Side, following their great performances at the NLO club in recent times. Bulus is fast, incredibly skilful and plays mainly from the midfield, while Umar, a lanky forward, has good eyes for scoring goals. 

"I am extremely happy about this deal, because it speaks truly about hardwork and dedication," Akwuegbu said from Vienna.  

Benedict Akwuegbu who had two wonderful stints with Grazer Athletiksport Klub, where he netted 40 times altogether, is confident that the duo will perform well at the Graz based club. 

"They are talented players and kudos must be given to everyone at the Club for doing a wonderful job. I know how talented they are, and that's the reason, we invested heavily on the boys. I am very sure they will be a positive addition to the club in the coming months." He concluded.

Based in Jos, Plateau State, Benedict Akwuegbu FC was formed in 2022, by former Super Eagles forward, Benedict Akwuegbu and play in the third tier of the Nigerian League, Nationwide League One.

Benedict Akwuegbu: Early rise to stardom, how he was discovered at 16 by Sebastian Brodericks

Born in Jos, Plateau State on the 3rd of November 1974, young Benedict Akwuegbu attended Fatimah Primary School, before going furthering his education at the prestigious St. Murumba's College, Jos.

At St. Murumba's College, the young and talented Ben was active in sports and soon joined the School Football team at the age of 15, while still in form two. 

A fortunate stroke of serendipity, however shone on young Benedict Akwuegbu, when the then National U-17 Football Head Coach, Sebastian Brodericks was on the stand, when St. Murumba's College played against Airfoce Military School, a game 16 year old Benedict Akwuegbu shone like  million star.

Brodericks had won the first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup for Nigeria in 1985 and thought it was time to discover more talents for the 1989 edition. 

Akwuegbu was selected to the U-17 World Cup Final squad in 1989 hosted by Scotland.

However, he never had the chance to play as sitting on the bench in all four matches without substitution. Nigeria was beaten by eventual winner Saudi Arabia at the quarter-final stage, but it was indeed a great experience for the 16 year old, who went on to play for the Flying Eagles,  Under-23 teams and the Super Eagles. 

"It was a great experience for me. I was very young and was lucky to be part of the National team. Playing wasn't so important for me then, but the exposure I got, made me a better player. it really shaped me for better things ahead."

In 2000, his success in Austria made him joining the Africa Cup of Nations tournament which he played his first international game against Tunisia. With his progress in the team he was involved in the 2002 World Cup Qualifier and scoring two goals in the process, His performance made him selected to the 2002 World Cup Final squad. He played the only World Cup game against England.

Akwuegbu, 49, had an illustrious career that spanned through RC Lens, France (1991-92), KSC eedracht Aalst, Belgium (1992-93), Harelbek, Belgium (1994-96), Waregem, Belgium (1996-97), Tienen, Belgium (1997-98), Grazer AK, Austria (1998-2002), Sheyang Ginde, China(loan 2002), Grazer AK , Austria (2002-2004), FC Karnten, Austria (2004), St Gallen, Switzerland (2004-2005), Wacker Innsbruck, Austria (2005-2006), Siegen, Germany (2006) and Tianjin Teda, China (loan 2006).

The former Heartland of Owerri Assistant General Manager also had career spells at Panserraikos, Greece (2006-2007), Qingdao Jonoon, China (2007), Beijing Hongdeng, China (2008) and Basingstoke Town, England (2009-2010) before calling time on his career.

Akwuegbu scored eight times for the Super Eagles in 30 appearances.

Benedict Akwuegbu: Ex Nigerian football star talks up Super Eagles chances to win 2023 AFCON title

Former Nigeria striker Benedict Akwuegbu has hinted that, with the recent competitions and emerging talents in the senior national team, Super Eagles' trophy draught will soon be over.

Akwuegbu, who represented Nigeria at U-17, U-20, U-23 and Super Eagles gave the assertion on Sunday whip featuring as guest in a top football WhatsApp platform, Family United By Football FUBF.

The former striker noted that with exceptional players and right tactics, Nigeria is favourite looking forward to AFCON 2023.

"We have great players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen and the rest. Nigeria can get back to winning ways, with fantastic strikers and brilliant midfielders.

"We can do well and win the Nations Cup again, if the tactics is right," concluded Ben who had 30 caps for Super Eagles. 

Recall that Stephen Keshi tutored side delivered the last trophy celebrated by the senior national team in 2013 and agonizingly missed out consecutively in 2015 and 2017.

At the 2019 edition in Egypt, Nigerians were hopeful of better outings but Algeria broke the hearts of the three times champions with a late free kick by Riyad Mahrez during the semifinal face-off.

It's more of a disappointing finals last time out as Austin Eguavoen led Super Eagles could not go past round of 16 even with promising squad. 

Akwuegbu whose sojourn in the senior national side spanned across five years said the Nigeria can do well once again and bring the silverware back to Nigeria if we get the tactics right this time around.