Turkish Super League side Sivasspor have released 24 year-old Nigerian International, Macauley Chrisantus. The former Nigerian youth international, who shone at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea, was among the four players shown the exit door by the club following a dismal first half of the season. The club’s technical director Serge Yalcin said based on the coach’s recommendation Chrisantus and three other players namely Shahbaz Ahmed, Berk Neziroglulari and Cihan Ozkara have been released.
The club, coached by Brazilian legend, Roberto Carlos, recently acquired the services of another Nigerian striker, Michael Eneramo from Besiktas. Eneramo’s signing signalled the end for Chrisantus at the club. The striker has since reportedly linked up with Cypriot First Division side, Anorthosis Famagusta.
In another related twist, Nigeria striker Chikeluba Ofoedu has joined Turkish second division team Samsunspor from Karsiyaka on a one-and-a-half-year deal. The former Rangers International of Enugu goal poacher joins the club as a direct replacement for compatriot Umar Aminu, who left the club following a row over unpaid wages. Umar had joined Samsunspor from Wikki Tourists in the 2013 summer transfer window at just 18 and scored four league goals in his first season to displace another Nigerian striker Ekigho Ehiosun, who is currently with Gabala in the Azerbaijan Premier League, from the starting line up.
Furthermore, Super Eagles striker, Shola Ameobi has called time out on his career at another Turkish second division side Gaziantep Büyükşehir Belediyesi Spor Kulübü due to family reasons. Ameobi, 33, had signed a one year deal with the club last summer but decided to tear up his contract after scoring four times in eleven appearances.