Nwofor reflects on career regrets, premature retirement

Former Super Eagles striker Uche Nwofor has opened up about his career challenges, the impact of injuries on his playing days, and his premature retirement from professional football.

The Nigerian forward, who played for clubs in Europe, including VVV Venlo and Rangers International, revealed that persistent injuries, including ruptured groins, negatively affected his career trajectory.

Nwofor began his football journey with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan, Nigeria, where his impressive performances earned him call-ups to the U-20 Flying Eagles and the Home-Based Super Eagles.

Recalling his early days in the national team, Nwofor expressed joy at realizing his dream of playing for Nigeria and plying his trade in Europe.

However, the talented forward faced a major setback in 2019 when a ruptured knee sustained during a match with MC Algers led to the termination of his contract. Despite fan support and appreciation from the club’s supporters, Nwofor’s time with MC Algers was cut short, emphasizing the challenges footballers face due to injuries.

“My Testimonial Match? I don’t know if and when that gonna happen. I’m happy with the level I went. But in my deepest mind, I still have regrets over the whole lot of my career. But all the same, when it’s possible and time, I’ll make it known to the public,” 

Nwofor’s rising career was dealt a massive blow in 2019 when he went through the surgeon’s knife following a ruptured knee sustained in his Algerian club, MC Algers 5-2 win over rivals, JS Kabyle. The Nigerian scored a brace in that epic clash.

“Surprisingly, my contract was terminated by the club because I was out for three months,” the former Nigeria striker recalled with pain.

“They based their reasons on the fact that only two foreign players were allowed per club, and they wouldn’t be patient until I was fully recovered.

“Even when I was no longer with the club, their fans were still singing my name during their games. The fans were also sending me video clips of their games, telling me how much they miss me.” Nwofor said as quoted exclusively on COMPLETESPORTS.

Nwofor highlighted the positive experiences he had while playing in Europe, particularly at VVV Venlo, where he had the opportunity to interact with fellow Nigerian players, including Ahmed Musa and Michael Uchebo. He also shed light on his decision to leave VVV Venlo when the club faced relegation, leading him to join Lierse in Belgium.

However, the striker’s career continued to be plagued by injuries, particularly groin injuries that limited his playing time. Nwofor revealed that despite moving to Boavista in Portugal, he faced similar challenges with injuries, ultimately affecting his overall career.

” I was happy playing in Europe. There, you get all you want. You can take risk because you know if injured, they would take care of you,“ Nwofor recalled.

“When I arrived at VVV Venlo, I met Ahmed Musa and Michael Uchebo there. They helped me a lot to settle down and adapt.

“Why I later left VVV Venlo? That was when the club was relegated to the lower league. Because they were going to play in the lower league, there was a limit to their pay level which was lower than what I was earning. So, with the help of my Manager, Tony Harris, I moved to Lierse of Belgium.”

“In Belgium, injury wouldn’t just let my career roll. I had a groin and was out for like three months. My Manager took me to Boavista in Portugal and the same thing happened. After rupturing my left groin, I also ruptured the right side. Honestly, the injury affected my career badly.

“I had that kind of hard luck – the injury was coming, coming and coming”.

Despite the hardships, Nwofor reminisced about scoring significant goals in his career, including a memorable game against South Africa in the Mandela Cup Challenge, where he scored twice. He expressed gratitude for the support from coaches like Stephen Keshi, who encouraged him during crucial moments in his Super Eagles career.

“While in 3SC,  I was invited to the Home-Based Super Eagles – when we played the WAFU Championship in Abeokuta alongside Ahmed Musa, Gbolahan Salami, Promise Onu, Ike ThankGod among others.

“While in 3SC, I scored in big games, including games against Bayelsa United who were NPFL defending champions then. I also scored against Heartland and also against John Obuh when he came with Sharks of Port Harcourt.

“So, when I moved to Rangers when they invited players to U20 Flying Eagles, I saw that my name was included. Of course, I felt happy because the dream of playing for my country and in Europe was coming true.”

Nwofor made his Super Eagles debut on March 10, 2010 vs Congo.

“It was the match against Congo. Lars Lagerback had been invited to come and take over from Shuaibu Amodu. That was when I was invited to the Home-Based Super Eagles. Coach Erasmus Onuh was removed and Shuaibu Amodu and Daniel Amokachi took over.

” There was a goal I scored following a good combination with Ikechukwu Ibenegbu (aka ‘Mosquito’) and Amodu told Amokachi to call me. I went to the sideline and he asked “What name”? And I answered Uche Nwofor. That was just it.

“Players were just coming but I remained there. The players were surprised because I was still young and a new player too. That was it and I was very happy that I played 15 minutes in that game versus Congo.”

In terms of retirement, Nwofor stated that he has not yet decided on his next steps but expressed a desire to stay connected to sports. He is contemplating options, including giving back to the game that shaped his life or exploring business opportunities. Nwofor remains in a state of uncertainty about his post-football endeavors, trusting that God will guide him in the right direction.

“A lot of things are going on in my head. I’m still thinking. But for me, I still want to go into sports. I like this game that made me who I am today.

” I think I still have something to give back. This is what has been coming up in my mind but I’m still thinking. Whatever God leads me to, I’ll do.

“I can also do business, you know. I’m still in a state of undecidedness.” Nwofor is quoted by COMPLETESPORTS.