John Ugo will not remember well his comeback to Israeli football. After the glittering championships with Hapoel Beer Sheva, the former Nigeria national team midfielder rarely played for Hapoel Nof Hagalil and was relegated to the national league. Today (Monday) Maccabi Jaffa announced the signing of Ugo, who will play next season against Nof Hagalil in the national league.
Jaffa has played in the lower leagues in recent years, but last season was promoted to the national league from first place in the Southern District and starring Eran Levy, who is not expected to remain in the team. Ugo arrived in Be’er Sheva in the summer of 2014 and was a key screw in Barak Bachar’s luxury team that won three consecutive championships.
After the period in Be’er Sheva, 34-year-old Ugo played a bit in the Saudi league, but was unable to integrate and will try to find a new home in Jaffa. Ugo also has 24 appearances for the Nigeria national team.
* Hapoel Afula announced that it has decided to exercise the option in Shahar Hirsch’s contract. Shah, who joined the team last January for a second term, scored seven goals and added three touchdowns last season. He joins the team captain, Eran Azrad, who signed with the club yesterday for another season.
Shahar Hirsch commented on his stay at the club and said: “Hapoel Afula is a special club for me, I am very connected to the place and the people. I am not happy to continue here next season, and help the team meet its goals.”