A comprehensive exodus of players has hit Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Dakkada FC ahead of the new season, www.aclsports.com reports.
Uyo based Dakkada FC finished 12th on the PPG table after their inaugural season in the top flight but the team recorded some eye-catching results, including wins over highly rated opponents; Enyimba, Rangers et al.
With the poor welfare structure in the team, it had been expected that many of the players that shone in the Orange colours of the Akwa Ibom state government sponsored side would leave for pastures new; that has come to fruition.
As at the last count, no fewer than seven members of Dakkada’s first eleven last term have agreed deals with other NPFL clubs.
“There is nothing anyone can do to stop an ambitious player from moving. We would always like to keep our best legs but you can’t be inhumane to stop them from moves that will advance their careers,” a top source at the club told www.aclsports.com
Dakkada FC are the lowest paying side among the South East and South South sides in Nigeria’s elite division hence players would be tempted by the big bucks from the country’s elite clubs.
Team’s first choice goalkeeper Vincent Edafe was unveiled by Abia Warriors on Wednesday but www.aclsports.com can report that two members of Edafe’s back four (centre back Somiari Alalibo and left back Imo Obot) have also agreed to moves away from Uyo.
In the same vein, Dakkada FC’s top scorer last season with seven goals; Femi Ajayi has joined Rangers International while winger Moses Effiong – who scored five goals last term – has also agreed a deal with Plateau United.
Ajayi is not the only player signed by Rangers from the team as midfielder Eso Archibong will also join the Flying Antelopes. Midfielder Osimaga Duke is on the radar of Lobi Stars while winger Isaac George is said to be interesting two South-South rivals.
Head coach of the team, Caleb Esu is also unlikely to remain at the club next term. A number of clubs are looking to add the CAF A License holder to their backroom staff.