Nigerian Youngster Join Israel Giants

Nigeria U-20 captain Ikouwem Utin has completed his move to Israel giant Maccabi Haifa.

The 19-year old has joined from Nigeria Professional Football League side, Enyimba, on a three-year deal after completing a routine medical.

Exact terms of the deal were not disclosed but local media have reported the Alaska Academy graduate will earn in excess of US$50,000 per week.

Tunisian giants Esperance du Sportive and Etoile du Sahel were chasing for the youngster signature, but they now appear to have missed out on the deal.

Maccabi Haifa was founded in 1913 and play their home games at the 20,780 capacity Sammy Ofer Stadium.

Ikouwem Utin is in Germany with the Flying Eagles preparing for the FIFA U-20 World Cup billed for Poland later this year.

He is expected to feature for Flying Eagles next friendly encounter against Saudi Arabia on May 8 in Austria.

The Akwa Ibom-born defender shone brightly at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations that was hosted by Niger Republic.

He was part of Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles side that finished second at the African Nations Championship in Morocco in 2008.

Utin earned his first cap with the senior national team, in the 1-0 friendly win against Egypt in March.