Nigerian young forward Stephen Ende during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa says he is delighted to have won his first senior silverware in Europe after helping Sabah FC make history by clinching the 2025-26 Azerbaijan Premier League title.
The skilful 19-year-old played a significant role as Sabah ended the dominance of serial champions Qarabağ FK, who had won 11 of the previous 12 league titles.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Ende expressed his joy at securing a landmark achievement in his debut professional season.
“I’m very happy. I feel so excited winning the Azerbaijan league,” he told Footy-Africa. “Of course, it’s every player’s dream to win the league title in the country where he’s playing. Starting the season, no one ever believed in my team, that we could win the league.”
“Because for the past 10 years, Qarabag have been dominating the country. So, no one ever believed in us. But I’m so happy that, we came together, fought with dedication, and then now we are crowned champions at the end.”
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Ende added that lifting the league trophy ranks among the greatest achievements of his young career.
“Winning the league is one of my greatest achievements in my career so far,” he said. “Not only the league, the Azerbaijan Premier League, and then the Azerbaijan FA Cup, that’s the Boson Azerbaijan Cup.”
“Though, last season I played with the academy and I also won the U-19 league and the U-23 league. But, this season, winning the Azerbaijan Premier League and the Boson Azerbaijan Cup is my greatest achievement. My ambition is to continue winning great trophies.”
Ende began his football journey in Nigeria with renowned youth academy Dino Sporting Club before making the move to Sabah FC.
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The teenager, who has quickly established himself as an important player for the Azerbaijani champions, paid tribute to Samuel Columbus, owner of Dino Sporting Club, who discovered him in Benue State at a young age.
“The journey has been full of lessons, sacrifice, and growth, you know? Leaving Benue State, I was a player who had big dreams of playing professionally, playing in Europe, playing on a big stage of the Champions League, or in the top leagues in football.”
Ende also reflected on the challenges he faced adapting to life in Azerbaijan after leaving Nigeria.
“Coming to Sabah FC, it was full of challenges. So many difficulties. I had to adapt to the weather, adapt to the food, and other stuff, adapt to people, language. So, it wasn’t really an easy journey. Now, I am a champion. It has paid off. So, I just want to appreciate my boss, Mr. Samuel Columbus, CEO of Dino Sporting Club.”
For Ende, the historic league triumph marks not only a personal milestone but also the beginning of what he hopes will be a trophy-filled professional career.
