Veteran goalkeeper, Chijioke Ejiogu made a stunning return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the age of 41, inspiring Kun Khalifat FC to a 1–0 victory over Bayelsa United.
The experienced shot-stopper, who previously played for Enyimba, Julius Berger, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Heartland and Dolphins, came out of retirement nearly eight years after leaving the domestic top flight to join the Owerri-based club.
Popularly known as “Arugo Monkey,” Ejiogu last featured in the NPFL during the 2018 season with Heartland. On Sunday, he delivered an outstanding performance in his debut for Kun Khalifat, producing several crucial saves to deny Bayelsa United throughout the match.
Kun Khalifat secured the win thanks to Uchechukwu Onuoha’s 45th-minute goal, but it was Ejiogu’s heroics in goal that ensured the team held on for all three points. Bayelsa United pushed hard for an equaliser, repeatedly attacking in numbers, but the veteran goalkeeper stood firm with a series of confident punches, parries and catches.
Ejiogu remains one of the most decorated players in Nigerian domestic football. Over the course of his career, he won seven FA Cup titles with four different clubs — Julius Berger (2002), Dolphins (2004, 2006, 2007), Enyimba (2009, 2014) and Heartland (2012).
He also lifted three NPFL league titles with Dolphins (2004) and Enyimba (2009 and 2015), alongside two Super Cup trophies with Julius Berger (2004) and Enyimba (2010).
Speaking after the match, Ejiogu expressed satisfaction with both the result and his performance.
“I’m happy with our win today and of course with my performance, which the fans are happy about,” he said, adding that he would grant a more detailed interview after training. “I’m even happier that we won the game. Hopefully we’ll talk tomorrow.”
