In-form striker gives up Super Eagles hope with shock transfer move

Nigerian striker, Leke James has joined Saudi Arabian Professional League club Al-Qadisiyah for an undisclosed fee, BSNSports.com.ng reports. This comes after his contract expired with Norwegian giants Molde. The 28-year-old who has had an impressive run of form in Norway and Europe meant he wasn't short of options. Even Molde did not hide their desire to tie down the former Aalesunds FK star to a new deal. But despite being courted by a host of clubs in Europe and North Africa, James has agreed to join Al-Qadisiyah, a side currently sitting 10th on the Saudi Arabia Professional League table. In a short statement after the deal was confirmed, James told Al-Qadisiyah’s YouTube page: “I am delighted to have signed with Al-Qadisiyah Football Club, I am looking forward to joining this great club.” The move could see James say goodbye to his chances of playing for the Super Eagles. The exciting forward had been turning heads and presenting himself as an attacking option for Nigeria following his exploits for Molde. Across 83 matches for the Norwegian club, James banged in 43 goals and seven assists in all competitions. Seven of those goals came in seventeen appearances in European competitions for the club. Union Berlin’s Taiwo Awoniyi, Crotone’s Simy Nwankwo, Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, and Genk’s Paul Onuachu are likely to be the attacking options considered by Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr for the Afcon-qualifying games in March.