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What's the story?
2015 Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC have completed the signing of Nigerian forward Jude Nworuh for the 2017-18 season. The 28-year-old has arrived on a free transfer after his contract ended at Finnish outfit FC Ilves.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Chennaiyin FC is delighted to announce the signing of Nigerian forward Jude Ikechukwu Nworuh for the 2017-18 season of the Hero Indian Super League."
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The Lagos-born striker started out in Denmark and has also played in Israel and Finland before making the move to India. His stint with Chennaiyin FC will be Nworuh's first outside Europe. He has also played in the Europa League during his time at FC Midtjylland.
The heart of the matter
Nworuh becomes Chennaiyin's fifth foreign signing for the 2017-18 ISL after Raphael Augusto, Rene Mihelic, Inigo Calderon and Jaime Gavilan. With only three more foreign spots to fill, the Marina Machans are well set for a title challenge next season after last season's blushes.
"I would like to thank Chennaiyin FC and especially coach John Gregory for giving me this opportunity. The Indian Super League is going to be a new and exciting project for me. I am really looking forward to the start of pre-season and of course play in front of the passionate Chennaiyin FC fans at the Marina Arena," the player expressed his delight to Chennaiyin's official website.
The club's head coach, John Gregory, also talked up the new arrival and what he brings to the team, saying: "Jude is a forward with immense pace who can finish and also create chances. He had a great career in Denmark and is highly rated in Israel football, a market I know very well. He has all the attributes to succeed in the ISL and help us achieve our target of winning back the title."
What's next?
The 2017-18 ISL kicks off on 17th November and Chennaiyin FC will be considered among the favourites for the title given their record in the league and their summer spending. With the pace of Nworuh, Chennaiyin FC could field a fearsome attack next season with Indian international Jeje also in their ranks.
Author's take
It remains to be seen whether Nworuh can replicate the success Stiven Mendoza had during his time with Chennaiyin. The Nigerian brings a similar profile to Mendoza and would be expected to hit the ground running from the off now that the ISL has become even more competitive.
