By KweséESPN
Four years ago, SC Heerenveen striker Uche Nwofor was World Cup-bound with Nigeria, and primed to represent the Super Eagles at the global showpiece in Brazil.
Fast forward to 2018, and the big striker, who once had a promising career, is back in the domestic league, retracing his steps to Enugu Rangers for a second stint with the Flying Antelopes after initially departing seven years ago for Europe.
Nwofor, 26, appears to be on the road to recovery after a nightmare experience at Portuguese top-flight club Boavista.
In an exclusive interview with KweséESPN, Nwofor discussed his ordeal in Portugal, but vowed to overcome this challenging phase of his career.
“My experience in Boavista has led to my present situation,” he began. “I was highly devastated as I didn’t get the desired judgement after the unprofessional treatment meted out to me by the club.
“I found strength from my family and kids who are a great source of motivation in returning to play football because at some point I was almost giving up.
“However, having made the move to Enugu Rangers, I can only focus on the future.”
Nwofor was top scorer at the 2011 African Youth Championship as the Flying Eagles of Nigeria won their sixth continental title, and memorably netted a goal in both the semi final and the final.
He moved to Dutch side VVV-Venlo after the U-20 World Cup in Colombia, where he reunited with international teammate Ahmed Musa.
Stephen Keshi monitored his club performances and eventually, an international call-up was in the offing.
Nwofor marked his debut with a double as South Africa were defeated in the 2013 Nelson Mandela Challenge, and his stock rose further still on the eve of the 2014 FIFA World Cup when he netted a late equaliser against Scotland in a friendly.
That strike, his third international goal, played a huge part in his inclusion on Nigeria’s 23-man squad to Brazil, where he made two substitute appearances.
From there, however, Nwofor’s career stagnated, and he ultimately resorted to a return to the NPFL to find competitive football and take a first step back to the top.
Despite the highly publicised shortcomings of Nigeria’s football, Nwofor believes there have being improvements in officiating and organisation, while also disclosing money played a minimal part in his decision to reunite with Enugu Rangers.
“I accepted the normal wage structure the club maintains for the other players,” he added. “This was partly informed by the agreement I struck with the club which will see me depart whenever I get a bigger opening elsewhere.
“In that way, both parties wouldn’t clash over financial commitments as everything is clearly spelt out.
“I am just too happy to reunite with the Rangers family,” he said, “and can’t wait to start playing once my International Transfer Certificate comes through.”
While a return to a constantly evolving Super Eagles side looks highly unlikely, a good stint with the Flying Antelopes could see Nwofor find his way back to Europe.
In the meantime, Rangers fans should enjoy the services of a talented forward who will be desperate to demonstrate his appetite for finding the net.