Nigerian international and Super Eagles left-back, Chidiebube Gideon Duru, is all ready to join Danish top-flight side, Sønderjyske Fodbold, after a seven-year stint in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The 24-year-old defender spent the NPFL 2023/2024 season as a free agent but was recently pictured on loan with Sønderjyske Fodbold, representing them in a friendly game against FC Midtjylland last month with the club opting to make the move permanent this summer.
Despite scoring an own goal in the friendly game, Sønderjyske’s coach, Thomas Nørgaard, expressed confidence in Duru’s abilities, attributing the mistake to rustiness. “He has to get right back into the rhythm of the game, but I think he played well,” Nørgaard said.
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The talented Nigerian International joined Rivers United in 2021 after a four-year stint with Lobi Stars and was instrumental in the club’s NPFL title win in the 2021/2022 season. The left-back is renowned for his defensive prowess and ability to score goals from dead balls, with eight goals and 14 assists in 134 NPFL games.
Sønderjyske Fodbold, promoted to the Danish top flight last season, will benefit from Duru’s experience and skills. The Nigerian defender represented his country in the 2018 friendly against Atletico Madrid and is eager to make a mark in European football.
Duru’s move is a significant development for Nigerian football, as it highlights the growing interest in Nigerian players from European clubs. His success in Denmark could pave the way for other Nigerian players to follow in his footsteps.
In other transfer news, Wilfred Ndidi has signed a new contract with Leicester City, while Victor Boniface is expected to return to top form next season with Bayer Leverkusen. Chelsea has also reportedly given up on signing Nigerian-born striker, Lamine Yamal.
With Duru’s move to Sønderjyske Fodbold, the Super Eagles left-back is poised to make a significant impact in European football.
