Exciting youngster Tochukwu Ofor has signed his first professional contract with Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi TE (ZTE), putting pen to paper on a three-year deal. Player manager Alfa Usman and Right2Win chief operating officer Kelechi Nnorom facilitated the deal, which has been in the works for the last three years.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa after the deal was signed, Alfa Usman said the player has been patient about the move, and he expects him to show what he can do in the not-too-distant future.
He also shared the story of how Ofor was discovered and nurtured.
“I have known him for about three years now. I first discovered him somewhere around Nyanya during one of my local scouting trips for the programme. He later played for Turf Arena Academy Abuja, and in January he took part in a programme I organised with Kelechi from Right2Win. He was very, very good during the programme, and all the scouts were full of praise for him. Since January, we’ve been working to find the best opportunity and environment for him to continue his development.”
“After a long process, including about two to three months of paperwork, everything finally came together, and he moved to where he is now. He’s a very young player with a lot of potential. He’s patient, calm, and composed on the ball. He’s a left-footed player with excellent ball control, good technical ability, and a very good understanding of the game. He’s also very obedient and respectful, and he’s the kind of player who hardly talks but lets his football speak for him.”
“We’re all very happy that he finally got this opportunity, especially given how patient he’s been throughout the whole process. He’s currently 18 years old and playing for the U19 team of ZTE FC. Even though he’s only recently joined the club, people within the club are already talking about him and recognising his quality. We’re hopeful that, with continued development and hard work, he’ll get the opportunity to play for the senior team in future.”
“For me, this is a story about patience, development, and believing in a young player’s potential. I’m really happy to have discovered him and to have played a part in his journey so far,” he added.
The 18-year-old has already started showing what he can do with the club’s U19 side and is well on schedule for promotion to the first team as he acclimatises to the football and culture of Hungary.
