Transfer Update: Lobi Stars Debunk Atule Transfer Rumours

Transfer Update: Lobi Stars Debunk Atule Transfer Rumours

By Gbenga Gboyega

Since the start of the 2023 summer transfer window in Nigeria Premier League, clubs have gotten busy in negotiations, but so has the media, with Lobi Stars FC taking to social media to debunk rumors making rounds over their player - Joshua Atule.

BSNSports.com.ng reports that at about 6 pm on Wednesday, the media department of the Makurdi-based club released a firm statement regarding their 22-year-old winger who joined the club for free from Egyptian Club Enppi SC in the summer of 2022.

"We have read with dismay reports emanating from different media platforms that our pacy winger, Joseph Atule, has been signed for our rivals and former NPFL champions, Rivers United.

We wish to inform the general public that Lobi Stars is not aware of any transfer deal involving our player, Atule."

Joshua Atule was instrumental for Lobi through the regular and playoff rounds in the 2023 abridged NPFL season, scoring 5 goals and creating 5 assists in 21 games, with his fitness and stability being his strength.

Reports from media outlets pitched both Rivers United and Lobi Stars together over a verbal agreement, with the player expected to earn in the range of ₦600,000 per month, but Lobi refutes such claims as "fake news".

"Atule is part of the Lobi Stars team which is at the moment traveling to Eket, Akwa Ibom State for Naija Super 8.

Therefore, members of the public, especially those who can easily fall prey to fake news, should disregard the purported transfer of our prized assets.

We restate that there is no iota of truth in it."

Historically, Atule has moved for free since his days at Kastina United in 2020 to China's Suzhou Dongwu, before moving to Egypt with Cleopatra FC and Enppi SC, plus a season-long loan spell at El Makasa in 2021.