2nd May, 2012
Warri Wolves trainer, Maurice Cooreman, has expressed disappointment with the performances of the club’s striker Jude Aneke.
The Belgian declared that Aneke, the record goal scorer in the history of Nigeria’s top flight with 20 goals in the 2010/2011 season, has lost his poaching instincts in front of goal.
Cooreman said the feat Aneke recorded last season got into his head which has now seen his form drop alarmingly.
“This is not the same Jude Aneke that I used to know at (former club) Kaduna United. He thinks that he is a star when he has not achieved anything and his level has dropped,” Cooreman told SuperSport.com.
Aneke limped out of Wolves’ CAF Confederation Cup 1st leg, third round game against South African club, Black Leopards, last Sunday but Cooreman slammed the player and accused him of feigning injury.
“I am not even sure he was injured (in the game against Leopards). I am not happy with him,” a visibly angry Cooreman said.
Aneke expressed shock at his coach’s outburst and explained that it was impossible to recreate the same level of success he had at Kaduna United immediately as he was still trying to find his feet at his new club, Wolves.
“I am surprised but the coach needs to understand that I need to adapt here (in Warri). At Kaduna United, things were different as I played with different players in different surroundings.
“When we were together at Kaduna United, it was the same whenever I got injured. He never believed I could sustain an injury as he always described me as a very tough player,” Aneke said.
The attacker also disagreed with his coach on his assertion that the forward’s quality had dropped.
“I don’t agree with Cooreman. My quality has not dropped. I am still playing very well and it’s just a pity that the goals are not flowing as before. It happens to every striker. There are times when you don’t score but I will be back,” he said.
Aneke has scored 5 goals in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL). The 22 year old bagged a brace against Niger Tornadoes and scored once against Wikki Tourists, ABS FC and Lobi Stars earlier this season.
Aneke did not travel with the rest of the Wolves’ squad for Wednesday game against Niger Tornaodes in Minna.