The Acting Chief Operating Officer of Vandrezzer FC, Kingsley Ogbonna has alleged that midfield maestro Anietie Uko is playing for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan in the ongoing Governor Dapo Abiodun Pre-season tournament without the consent of the club.
In an interview with the club media department, the Acting COO said vice-captain Uko is currently playing for the Ibadan-based side.
“You will be surprised to note that we have recently discovered that another of our players, Anietie Uko, who is still currently in contract and earning salary from Vandrezzer FC has also been poached and currently registered with 3SC and playing the Prince Dapo Abiodun Pre-season tournament without the approval from Vandrezzer FC.
“This is sacrilegious and completely unheard of in professional football in other climes,” Ogbonna said.
Vandrezzer FC and 3SC have been a subject of heated transfer with the former alleging 3SC who are newly promoted to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), have poached two of their key players, left full-back David Mark and striker Kolawole Daniel.
Mark and Daniel were spotted training with 3SC last week club despite being under contract with Vandrezzer FC, and the Lions in a statement released on Monday, October 11, reported Shooting Stars to the Nigeria National League disciplinary committee.
“We have filed an official complaint to the Nigeria National League and other relevant bodies, with supporting documents attached to show the current breach by both 3SC and the said players, who are still in contract and receiving their salaries from VFC.”
On the claims by Gidado FC that Mark and Daniel are their players, the COO said the pair were released to the club from Gidado FC for “outright clearance to Vandrezzer” in November 2019.
“In writing our history as a club, we have always acknowledged we bought the NNL slot from Gidado FC upon their qualification to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in 2019; noting that this was consummated at the cost of N12.5 million via confirmation letter and sales agreement dated September 06, 2019.
“The management of Gidado Football club hereby releases the under-listed players on outright clearance to Vandrezzer Football club, Uyo. Akwa Ibom State. They are: 1. Kolawole Daniel, 2. David Mark.
“By this letter, the Football authorities can formalize their registration for Vandrezzer Football club.”
Anietie Uko is a former Nigeria Under 17 player and was the club’s stand-in captain last season. He started 17 of VFC’s 20 matches in the NNL, scoring a memorable equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Nnewi United.
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