Africa’s most successful club terminates Super Eagles star’s contract

One of the country’s most successful players on the continent in recent times will likely end the year without a club

With a statement on their website,
Egyptian Premier League powerhouse, Al Ahly, have announced the termination of the contract of Nigerian forward Junior Ajayi effective immediately.

Amir Tawfik, head of Al Ahly’s marketing and transfers departments, says he consulted with the club’s president Mahmoud El-Khatib before parting ways with Ajayi. He maintained that Ajayi’s contract termination was by mutual consent.

Ajayi joined Al Ahly from Tunisian side CS Sfaxien in 2016 for a reported fee of €2.5 million after winning a bronze medal with the Nigerian Dream Team at the Rio Olympic Games.

The Owerri-born forward quickly became a fans’ favourite at the Cairo-based club, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 39 games across all competitions in his debut season.

Ajayi’s time with Al Ahly was more successful than many would have expected after helping the Red Devils lift four Egyptian Premier Leagues, two Egypt Cups, two Egyptian Super Cups, two CAF Champions Leagues, and the CAF Super Cup.

But injuries and loss of form have not allowed Ajayi time to impress South African coach Pitso Mosimane, with the 25-year-old failing to make a single appearance for Al Ahly this season.

And after 41 goals, 30 assists, 161 appearances, and 11 titles, one-cap Nigerian international Ajayi leaves Africa’s most successful club right before the winter transfer window opens.