Jamiu Alimi captaining the NPFL All-Stars against Atlético Madrid
According to sources in Africa and Vancouver, Nigerian international and current Kano Pillars FC centre back Jamiu Alimi has confirmed that he should join Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the start of the 2018 season.
“We have been on the deal for some months now, but I have been delaying the deal. So, I can confirm that by January, I should officially join them."
“I got series of offers in Europe, but I decided to join the league because America is a peaceful place, and Vancouver offered me a better deal compared to other offers I received,” Alimi added.
Having begun his professional career with Ukrainian side SC Tavriya, before moving on to Cyprus' Olympiakos Nicosia, and spending a few more years in his native Nigeria with Sharks FC, Shooting Stars SC, and current club Kano Pillars FC, the safety and stability of a place like Vancouver held great appeal to the 25 year old.
“I am very optimistic I will have a better game abroad next year; my last European adventure was not a successful one," having played only 15 matches between Tavriya and Nicosia, "but I am more mature and ready to take up this new challenge.
Speaking on Nosa Igiebor's influence on his decision to accept Vancouver's offer over all others, he concluded that “Nosa is like a big brother to me as he advised me on the move and also told me what to expect. So, I would say he was influential in my move to Vancouver."
He's also hoping that the move will help his international career, as although he played four times in the 2016 African National Championship, he has not earned a call up to the Super Eagles since their 1-0 defeat to Guinea on 26 January 2016.
This story was previously reported on by AOI Football, ElisantX, Glass City, Own Goal Nigeria, SoccerWho, and Sports Day, among others.