The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Okpotu

  • Okpotu adjusting to life in Libya

    Okpotu adjusting to life in Libya

    • Ex-Lobi ace to travel with Ittihad to Portugal for pre season

    New Al-Ittihad of Libya hitman, Anthony Okpotu has stressed that he is adjusting to life faster than expected in the Arab nation after leaving Nigeria last week.

    Okpotu, the first product of Lobi Academy to play overseas, completed his mouthwatering switch to Libya from the Makurdi outfit recently. He explained in an interview that he was looking forward to Saturday when they will officially kick start next season with pre season games.

    He stated that the Libyan league would kick off next month but that his team has planned to have one of the best pre seasons this term with a trip to Portugal also on the card.

    Okpotu expressed happiness that he has taken his game abroad adding that he would take his career higher. Okpotu and former Warri Wolves’ defender, Ike ThankGod both signed for Ittihad recently and they are making use of the same hotel in the North African nation.

    Highlights of Okpotu with Lobi Stars was his famous hat-trick for the Makurdi side in the quarter final of the Federation Cup last season against Sharks. He netted all three and his club triumphed 3-1. They later got to the final after a penalty shootout win over Kano Pillars in Calabar in the semi final.

  • Lobi appreciates Okpotu despite defeat

    Lobi appreciates Okpotu despite defeat

    Lobi stars Anthony Okpotu who is set to begin a new experience with Libyan side Al-Ittihad had a memorable run despite Lobi stars 2-1 loss to ABS at the Ilorin Township stadium Sunday

    Okpotu, who is a product of the Lobi Stars youth program was acknowledged by the club after he was replaced by Hamza Sani in the course of the match.

    “Tony Okpotu completes his job as a Lobi Stars player today. Out for Hamza Sani” the club dished out on twitter

    The Makurdi based side had eyes set on pulling a draw especially after Nanen Barnabas Imenger scored to leave score line at 2-1, but failed to realise the dream.

    Okpotu who is leaving behind the record of being the first player from the Lobi Stars youth system to make a transition overseas has continued to get lot of prayer from both club officials and players alike wish him a good run in his new club and urge him to fly the flag of the club as its worthy ambassador.

    Club Vice Chairman and former international, Dominic Iorfa who recently confirmed Okpotu’s move, is optimistic he will excel.

  • Okpotu joins Al-lttihad for N59m

    Okpotu joins Al-lttihad for N59m

    Libyan club, Al-Ittihad Sport, Cultural and Social Club have completed the signing of Lobi Stars’ Tony Okpotu in a two and a half years deal worth 360,000 dollars (59 million naira), a top official of the Makurdi-based outfit has told SportingLife.

    Okpotu left Nigeria for Tripoli the Libyan capital some weeks ago and the Technical Director of Lobi, Dominic Mtem Iorfa has informed that the player was successful with the trials and has been signed for two and a half years.

    Okpotu, a product of the Lobi Academy, made his Premier League debut two seasons ago and netted over eight goals last season to help Lobi to the third position on the table and reach the final of the Federation Cup.

    His brilliance on the pitch has seen him get call ups to the Flying and Super Eagles. He has just been invited by Coach Stephen Keshi for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying match against Cote d’Ivoire billed for July 6 in Kaduna.

    The 19-year-old striker would be fondly remembered for his hat-trick for Lobi Stars in their 3-1 win over Sharks of Port Harcourt in the quarter final of the 2012 Federation Cup in Bauchi.

    Iorfa praised Okpotu’s dedication and asserted that the club would miss his professionalism and work ethic.

    “Okpotu has signed for Al-Ittihad club of Libya. It is the biggest club in Libya. He signed a two and a half years contract for a fee of 360,000 dollars.

    “We will miss his services but we have capable replacements to fill the vacuum created by him,” Iorfa, a former international, revealed.

    Al-ittihad are on a rebuilding process after their last domestic title in the Premier League in 2010. They won their 16th league title which is the Libyan league record till date.

    The club became the first Libyan side to qualify for the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in 2007, where they lost to eventual runners-up Al-Ahly of Egypt (0–1) on aggregate. They also reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederations Cup in 2010.

    With the latest development, Okpotu has ruled himself out of the home based Eagles’ camping for the CHAN qualifier against Cote d’Iviore on Sunday in Abuja, ahead of the tie fixed for Kaduna on July 6.

  • Okpotu eager for title with Lobi

    Okpotu eager for title with Lobi

    LOBI STARS forward Tony Okpotu has revealed desire to help his club to at least one title next season.

    Lobi were in the league and Cup double towards the end of last season but had their dream shattered with their Federation Cup final defeat to Heartland in Lagos which came barely a week after they lost conceded the league title to Kano Pillars following the expulsion of Ocean Boys.

    However, Okpotu said there is a renewed belief among the team that they can go some steps higher in their achievement next term.

    ” I have put the disappointment of last season behind because we thought we really have a good chance to win at least one trophy but in the end,we did not win anything. – We are disappointed but we have to put that behind us and stay positive.

    ” I’m looking forward to a better season and with the way we are looking ahead for next season, I’m sure we will win one of the trophies part.”