Enyimba Int'l, Lobi Stars, others chase Fatokun

Enyimba Int'l, Lobi Stars, others chase Fatokun by Tajudeen Ahmad More than three top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs are jostling for the signature of Sunshine Stars of Akure sensational midfielder, Jide Fatokun. This follows his impressive performance for the 'Akure gunners' in the 2018 abridged Nigeria Professional Football League season. The mercurial midfielder joined Sunshine Stars in 2018 football league season from Osun United and has since cemented his position in the team with regular appearances in every match played by the Akure Gunners. Meanwhile, as Nigeria teams begin preparations for the start of 2018/2019 NPFL season, it was gathered that the 2018 CAF Confederations Cup Semi Finalists, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba as well as the 2017/2018 NPFL Champions, Lobi Stars of Markurdi among others have expressed interest in bringing Fatokun into their teams. The 19 year old Jide Fatokun began his football career in his hometown in Ede, State of Osun as he was signed by the Gray's International Football Club in 2013. He powered the team to the finals of the State's F.A Cup twice in his four Seasons with Gray's FC before leaving the club in 2017. His impressive performance during the trial at Osun United captured the attention of ex-international and the then Osun United Coach, Duke Udi who signed him for the 'Omoluabi Giants' in 2017 Nigeria National League football season. Fatokun, in his only season for Osun United assisted the team to reach the quarter finals of the Aiteo Cup in 2017 and emerged as a player with the most assist for the team and for the current Super Eagles striker, *Tosin Omoyele* who was his teammate at Osun United. Even as a defensive midfielder, Fatokun scored 5 goals for Osun United in 30 appearances in all competitions for the team in one season. After an impressive season with the Omoluabi Giants, Fatokun was signed by Sunshine Stars of Akure in 2018 and has since become and integral part of the 'Akure Gunners'. A reliable source said Enyimba International FC have tabled a transfer request for Fatokun but the new Technical Crew of Sunshine Stars led by Coach Kabiru Dogo and Assistant Coach, Kamil Folarin popularly called 'Lama' under which Fatokun played at Gray's FC have been convincing him to stay with the club and assist them in the upcoming NPFL season which begins in December. Speaking with newsmen on the development, former Chairman of Gray's International football club, Dr. Tiamiyu Bello described Fatokun as one of the best midfielders in the Nigeria Professional Football League with accurate passes, fantastic marking and goal scoring prowess. " I know he is going to be a great footballer, not only in Nigeria but globally". "He has potential skills needed by top teams to fortify their midfield which have been the reason for him to keep moving in leaps", said Dr. Bello.