Remo Stars have confirmed that captain Junior Nduka has agreed to join Iraqi side Erbil FC, bringing an end to a seven-year spell at the Ikenne-based club, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

In a statement on Saturday, the Nigeria Premier Football League champions said, “We can confirm that an agreement has been reached in principle with Erbil FC for the transfer of centre back, Nduka Junior. The club appreciates Nduka, who has been a great captain for the team and wish him good luck in his next phase of football.”

The club further praised his leadership, describing him as a “legend” after guiding the team from the lower division to the NPFL title.

“Seven years of making history together. The leadership quality you showed from the NNL, to NPFL promotion, lifting the title and now leaving as a club legend,” the statement read.

Nduka, who has also captained Nigeria’s Super Eagles B, made 126 NPFL appearances for Remo Stars, scoring seven goals and providing five assists. He won one league title with the club and featured six times in continental competition.

His departure comes just days after deputy captain Kayode Bankole left the club, leaving a leadership gap in the squad. Defender Adedayo Olamilekan, who was named Remo Stars’ best player last season, is expected to take over the armband.

Nduka made his first appearance of the new season in the 1-1 draw with Rivers United in Abeokuta, a game that opened their title defence, and he’s being tipped to feature in his last outing for the club on Monday (tomorrow).

Despite the exits, head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has been active in the transfer market to reinforce his squad ahead of the domestic and continental campaign.

The club have signed Malian duo Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goita, as well as goalkeeper Kolimba Alladoum from Katsina United and left-back Chigozie Chilekwu from Tanzania’s Tabora United. Striker Victor Mbaoma also returned for a third spell, scoring in the season opener against Rivers.

Remo Stars face Kun Khalifat in Aba on Monday as they continue their NPFL title defence.