Former Super Eagles coach and current Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, has shared his thoughts on Junior Nduka’s recent transfer to Iraqi Stars League side Erbil FC. The 22-year-old midfielder, who captained Remo Stars to their maiden Nigeria Professional Football League title in the 2024/2025 season, opted for an unconventional route by moving to Iraq rather than typical European or North African leagues.
Eguavoen congratulated the talented playmaker but expressed concerns about the impact the move could have on Nduka’s international career. “First of all, I want to say congratulations to the boy, he is a very good player, no doubt about that,” Eguavoen said in an interview with Brila FM. “I know the owner of Remo Stars supports his players seeking new opportunities, so this decision was the player’s own.”
He highlighted that staying with Remo Stars, who are active in the CAF Champions League, might have provided a better platform for Nduka to showcase his abilities on the continental stage. “Playing in the Champions League would have opened more doors, but no one can predict the future,” Eguavoen remarked.
Acknowledging that financial considerations often drive such decisions, he said, “The financial package in Iraq will likely exceed what he earned at Remo Stars, which is important—life after football matters.”
However, Eguavoen warned, “You can’t compare the Iraqi league to the CAF Champions League’s competitiveness and exposure. From Iraq, he might move to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, but for now, we hope to see him back in the national team as soon as possible, though not while he’s playing in Iraq.”
Nduka captained the Super Eagles B during the 2024 CHAN tournament, playing in all three group matches before Nigeria’s exit. With 132 appearances for Remo Stars across all competitions, the midfielder’s career will be closely watched as he embarks on this new chapter abroad.
