Makinwa seals Chievo loan move

By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos

Stephen Makinwa has swapped Lazio for Chievo Verona

Nigeria's Stephen Makinwa has joined Chievo Verona on loan from Italian Serie A rivals Lazio, until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old struggled to settle in Rome since signing for Lazio from Palermo in the summer of 2006.

He has fallen to fifth in the striker's pecking order behind Goran Pandev, Mauro Zarate, Tommaso Rochi and Simone Inzaghi.

But the forward is confident a move to struggling Chievo Verona should pave the way for regular football.

"They [Lazio] have given me a chance to move to a club that showed persistent interest and guarantees regular football," he said.

Chievo are second from bottom in Italy's top flight but will be hoping for a boost with the arrival of Makinwa.

"I know the situation here and I am more than determined to do my best for the club."

Meanwhile, another Nigerian on the move is former Enugu Rangers striker Igho Otegheri who has joined Israeli top side Beitar Jerusalem.

The lanky forward will stay with the Jerusalem outfit until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.

One man who has sealed a permanent move is long-serving Enyimba left back Ajibade Omolade.

Omolade has joined Sudanese club Al Hilal on a four-year deal from the former African Champions.

"There is a massive difference in the league back in Nigeria and here in Sudan," Omolade said after his switch.

"Facilities here are unbelievable and that goes a long way in influencing my decision."