Worgu explains Sudan switch

By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos

Stephen Worgu says he did not move to Al Merreikh for the money

Young Nigerian striker Stephen Worgu has told BBC Sport that he moved to Sudanese side Al Merreikh for professional and not financial reasons.

The 19-year-old, who is the top scorer in this year's African Champions League with 13 goals for Enyimba, completed the shock $US2.6 million switch last weekend.

His choice of Sudan has come under severe criticism from sections of the Nigerian media, who had expected him to move to Europe instead.

"Al Merreikh has unbelievable facilities and also possess a strong professional attitude in all ramifications," Worgu explained to BBC Sport.

"The club understand that I am young and have guaranteed me an easy route to a bigger challenge elsewhere if the time comes."

He insists that money was not his main reason for moving.

"For many they think it's all about the money, but for me, it is about something more satisfying and fulfilling," he said.

I was linked with every club you could think of but it all happened in the papers Stephen Worgu

"You just don't pack your bags and go to Europe because many people say so - there is a right time and moment for you to take such a big decision and you are mentally prepared.

"The time when you are fully prepared, for me that time is not now."

Worgu first came to prominence with former Nigerian league champions Ocean Boys of Bayelsa.

After two seasons in Bayelsa, he joined Enyimba at the start of last season, where his performances attracted interests from Egypt, France, Germany and Denmark.

The striker, who remains grateful to Enyimba, says that most of the talk about his future was purely newspaper speculation.

"I was linked with every club you could think of but it all happened in the papers," he said.

"But the moment Al Merreikh came into the picture they showed passion and determination."