I-League 2017/18: Dudu Omagbemi expected to arrive in Kolkata to sign for East Bengal

What’s the story?

It has been learnt that Nigerian forward Dudu Omagbemi will reach Kolkata today afternoon to sign for East Bengal. If all goes according to plan, we may witness the duo of Dudu and Willis Plaza playing up front for the Red and Golds in the remaining I-League matches this season.

In case you didn’t know…

Incidentally, Dudu is no stranger to Kolkata football, having played for both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan previously. The forward first came to India in 2001 to play for Sporting Club de Goa where he scored 73 goals in 89 league appearances.

After spending a few years outside India, he returned to the country in 2013 when he joined Salgaocar. In the next season, he joined East Bengal and went on to score nine goals in 18 matches. He also enjoyed stints at ISL clubs FC Pune City, FC Goa and Chennaiyin.

The heart of the matter

East Bengal might be second on the points table, but one cannot deny that their forwards have miserably failed to make an impact so far. While Brazilian Charles De Souza has been guilty of missing too many goal scoring opportunities, Willis Plaza has been vastly inconsistent.

Furthermore, Plaza sustained a hamstring injury against Gokulam Kerala FC. He did play against NEROCA and Churchill Brothers for a few minutes but never really looked comfortable during his time on the field. It has been also learnt that although he could not take part in practice, Plaza is travelling with the team to Aizawl.

However, it looks like Dudu is being signed on so as to provide cover for the East Bengal frontline.

What’s next?

It remains to be seen if Dudu signs for his old club. As for now, East Bengal will travel to Aizawl for Tuesday’s I-League fixture.

Author’s take

Dudu is one of the most decorated foreigners in the I-League. If he is brought in, it will certainly bolster the team’s morale. Who knows, he might just be the last piece of the puzzle for Khalid Jamil.