Despite the insistence from Rivers United on its forward Ishaq Rafiu, the player has once again confirmed his departure to Slovenia, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
Rivers United emerged as the winner of the 2021/2022 league season and Ishaq was one of the key players that played an active role in the triumph.
Nk Maribor officially welcomed the 21-year-old Nigerian to the People’s Garden on Tuesday afternoon.
In his first words as a player of Nk Maribor, Ishaq Rafiu said: “I’m excited to be here. It took a very long time, but I am happy that I became part of NK Maribor. I promised myself that I would do everything to show what I can do and help my team,” he emphasized upon arriving at the purple home.
“Knowing that I will be playing in Europe for the first time is a dream come true. I was active during the visa process and did not miss any training. Now I’m here and I can start working right away. I won’t have to wait, I can join the work as soon as possible.”
“I watched Maribor’s matches all the time and encouraged the team. I learned a lot because I think it’s important as a player to know how your team plays before you arrive. That you have no problems when you join. So I watched a lot of games, the last one we played with three defenders. Since the match was away, we had to concentrate in the middle and thus achieve the desired result and a 1:0 victory. I got a lot of information, it’s still hard for me to pronounce the names of some of my teammates, but eventually I will get to know everyone. I believe we have a good team and we will confirm that.”
Ishaq Rafiu will be joining a little later but in good condition due to the paperwork required for his first move to Europe. He wasted no time while waiting for his arrival. Thus, he completed the introductory phase of familiarizing himself with the requirements that await him already in Nigeria.
The Nigerian international will have his first training session in the People’s Garden on Wednesday. He chose the jersey with no. 31 and starts the purple story with a big motif.
“I like to score goals, but I also contribute assists. When you pass, your teammate will pass back to you and this is the basic rule of the game. I can’t wait to play in front of the Maribor fans for the first time. It will be a special moment and I know that everything will be different for me from now on.”
