City to test new Nigerian against Stripes

Ese Sunday Oduko, a 20-year-old Nigerian midfielder, will be trying to convince Valletta FC to take him on board on Friday evening (5.45 p.m.) at the Tedesco Stadium when the Citizens play Premier League rivals Birkirkara in a mouth-watering pre-season friendly at the Hamrun Ground.

With all necessary paperwork carried out, Valletta are expecting Oduko to arrive imminently from Italy. If he earns a contract from Valletta, Oduko will be replacing Czech midfielder Kamil Dvorak who returned home last week.

Two years ago Oduko had a trial with Rennes from the French league but soon returned to Africa where he played in Senegal. Oduko then crossed back to Europe and for the past 18 months or so he was on the books of Serie C side Casarano.

Oduko's link in Malta is Henry Ekezie. He also brought over two other Nigerian compatriots of his - Matthew Babayaro and Jeremiah Eni - who are on trial with Birkirkara. The two were second-half substitutes in a 2-1 win for the Stripes over Marsa last week at the Centenary Stadium.

Birkirkara, who yesterday beat Mosta 5-0 in another friendly, are currently building up for their double UEFA Cup clash next month against Ukraine's Metalurg Zaporizhya. Slovak striker Milan Strelec and Nigerian Dennis Akom Ejo scored two each with the other goal coming from Alan Tabone.

Meanwhile, a prohibition on transfers, hanging over Valletta for the past couple of months now, is likely to be lifted after the City club yesterday regularised all their pending issues at the Malta FA.

This would clear the way for them to register Daniel Bogdanovic, formerly of Naxxar.

The Citizens last night also completed the transfer of Keith Fenech from Rabat Ajax. Last season Fenech was on loan at Birkirkara.

Valletta, this year under new coach Dennis Fenech, yesterday also gave the go-ahead for their former defender Jeffrey Chetcuti to start training with his new club Sliema Wanderers.

Other friendly matches in line for Valletta include one against Division Two side Zurrieq and also against Sigfried Held's national team.

Another friendly between Premier clubs is also scheduled for Friday. Floriana take on Mosta at the Independence Arena at 6.30 p.m.