Rangers skipper Okwuosa joins Ajax

Enugu Rangers skipper James Okwuosa on Tuesday signed a three-year contract with top South African club Ajax Cape Town.

The agreement was reached Tuesday evening in Cape Town with club CEO George Comitis and technical director Ja Pruijin in attendance.

“Ajax are excited to have signed the player, whose leadership qualities have never been in doubt as skipper of a top club like Enugu Rangers,” said his agent, Lawal Mohammed

“Personally, I believe in James from the first time I saw him. He has all the qualities to be a big hit in South Africa and beyond.

“It’s a major boost in his club career and I also see him taking his proper place in the Super Eagles.”

Okwuosa is one of several fresh call-ups by coach Stephen Keshi for a friendly against Niger in Niamey on August 15.

The big central defender underwent a brief trial with Ajax and even played against mighty Manchester United in a pre-season game. He would later be suspended by Rangers for going AWOL.

He is good in the air and has scored some vital goals with his head from set pieces this season. He also organises his defence very well and he is calm even under pressure.

  

The tough-tackling Okwuosa began his career with NAF FC of Abuja in the lower league.

  

He then transferred to El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in the lower league in the 2006/07 season.

  

He was spotted by Premiership side Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the 2007/2008 season from where he distinguished himself to move to the higher profiled Enugu Rangers, who gave him a contract in the 2008/09 season.

  

This season, he was made captain of ‘The Flying Antelopes’, who are on course to their first major trophy in almost 30 years.

  

The six-footer was part of the Nigerian Beach Soccer team to the last World Cup in Italy, where he shone as the team reached an historic quarterfinal place.

  

He was first called up by the Super Eagles while at Lobi and last year, he was again invited to the national team. He is now set for a recall to the Eagles.