Nigerian footballer Igbonu terminates Russian deal, narrates ordeal

Nigerian player Sylvester Igbonu has quit FK Nizhny Novgorod in Russia four weeks after he signed a one-year deal with the club.

The Punch reported that Igbonu became the first Nigerian footballer to leave the Russian Premier League as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The former Midtjylland midfielder took advantage of a FIFA rule that allows players to suspend or terminate their contracts tied to Ukrainian and Russian clubs for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

Speaking on the development, Igbonu said: “It was difficult for me to terminate my deal after one month, but I could not leave with the fear my family had over me playing in Russia.

“People being reportedly killed every day was not pleasant news at all. On social media and on TV it’s news about the invasion. My family’s constant calls made me have a rethink about my stay in Russia.

“One of my teammates’ deal was suspended while some players in other Russian clubs had their contracts suspended as well.”

“Nobody is happy with what is happening here and in Ukraine and we don’t know how long the war will last. Playing football in Russia is not like it used to be,” Igbonu added.

“If there is life there’s hope. I believe I will get another team and continue my career. Reports about footballers leaving their clubs are gradually having a big impact on the league.”