By Onyekachi Chimezie
Nigeria international Ishaq Rafiu has completed his move to Slovenian champions Maribor on a long-term deal from NPFL champions Rivers United, reports owosports.com.ng.
The 21-year-old, who earned his Super Eagles call-up against Mexico in a friendly on May 28, 2022, after excelling for Rivers United in the 2021–2022 NPFL season, will wear the number 31 jersey for the People’s Garden of Maribor.
“Ishaq Kayode Rafiu has arrived. It took longer than we would have liked, but it went according to plan. After the intermediate presentation and remote registration, we officially welcomed the 21-year-old Nigerian to the People’s Garden on Tuesday afternoon,” A statement from the club’s website read.
In delight, Rafiu expressed joy while speaking with the press after his unveiling at the club on Tuesday afternoon, with the winger promising to give his best to help the team.
“I’m excited to be here. It took a very long time, but I am happy that I become part of NK Maribor. I promised myself that I would do everything to show what I can do and help my team,” he emphasized upon arriving at the purple home.
Since it was his first time travelling to Europe, the forward who joined the squad late owing to paperwork complications stated the move was a dream come true for him.
“Knowing that I will be playing in Europe for the first time is a dream come true. I was active during the visa process and did not miss any training. Now I’m here and I can start working right away. I won’t have to wait, I can join the squad as soon as possible.”
The player who began his professional career for Shooting Stars in 2016–2018 claimed to be a Maribor supporter and to have attempted to become familiar with the team’s style of play.
“I watched Maribor’s matches all the time and encouraged the team. I learned a lot because I think it’s important as a player to know how your team plays before you arrive.
“That you have no problems when you join. So I watched a lot of games, the last one we played with three defenders. Since the match was away, we had to concentrate in the middle and thus achieve the desired result and a 1:0 victory. I got a lot of information, it’s still hard for me to pronounce the names of some of my teammates, but eventually, I will get to know everyone. I believe we have a good team and we will confirm that.”
The versatile winger hopes to repeat his successful campaign from last season, where he scored 14 goals and provided three assists for Rivers United.
“I like to score goals, but I also contributed assists. When you pass, your teammate will pass back to you and this is the basic rule of the game. I can’t wait to play in front of Maribor fans for the first time. It will be a special moment and I know that everything will be different for me from now on.”
Ishaq Rafiu will have his first training session with the 16-time league champions of Slovenia on Wednesday ahead of the Week 10 fixture away to Radomlje on Sunday.
