Transfer: Deputy Etcheta Leaves NPFL Club For Zhako FC In Iran

Former Bendel Insurance forward Deputy Etcheta has left the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for Iraq League side Zhako FC.

This move marks Deputy Etcheta as one of the latest players from the NPFL to leave Nigeria for a foreign side during the mid-season transfer window of the 2024-2025 season.

Etcheta, who had previously showcased his talent with Bendel Insurance, is celebrated as one of the standout performers for the team, often playing a pivotal role in their offensive strategies over the last few seasons.

His versatility on the field is notable, as he has not only contributed significantly to Bendel Insurance but has also represented Rivers United in the domestic league, where he further honed his skills.

In the wake of these transfers, concerns have been raised by former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye regarding the growing trend of NPFL players seeking opportunities in lesser-known leagues abroad.

Ideye expressed his worries in a tweet on Thursday, referring to the ongoing exodus of promising talents as potentially harmful to the players’ long-term career prospects.

He stated, “It’s really sad how all these agents ship out our young stars to start their careers. Are they really thinking of the future of the players? It would be more beneficial for them to start in a second-division club in France, Spain, or Germany, where they can more easily catch the attention of scouts from more prestigious teams.”

Ideye’s comments came as a response to football journalist Tobi Adepoju, who had brought attention to the trend of top NPFL talents migrating to leagues in Iraq, Albania, and other less prominent football nations, highlighting the risks associated with such moves.