ISL: Striker Bartholomew Ogbeche joins Hyderabad FC from Mumbai City FC

Hyderabad FC has confirmed the signing of World Cup experienced Nigerian Bartholomew Ogbeche in order to strengthen their attack ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League season, the club announced on Thursday. The 36-year-old striker, who won the ISL Trophy and League Winner’s Shield with Mumbai City last season, has signed a one-year contract with the club till the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.

Advertisement

“I am thrilled to have signed for Hyderabad FC. One could easily see from the outside that he (coach) has a clear idea about his style of play and what he wants from his players which is an admirable attribute that I find in him. Iโ€™m very excited to be playing under him,” said Ogbeche after completing formalities according to PTI.

The robust striker, who was born in Nigeria has three goals in 11 Super Eagles appearances. Ogbeche claimed two caps for Nigeria in the 2002 FIFA World Cup playing as a No. 9 against Argentina and Sweden.

After graduating from the academy in 2001, Ogbeche began his career with a seven-year stint with PSG in 2001-02. During that time, he scored 21 goals in 57 first-team appearances. He also played in Ligue 1 for Bastia and Metz before joining Al Jazira in the UAE (2005-06). Returning to Europe, Ogbeche played for Deportivo Alaves in the Spanish Segunda Division (2006-07) before joining Real Valladolid in La Liga (2007-09), where he spent the next two seasons. After that, he spent two seasons with Cadiz in the Segunda Division and Kavala in the Greek Super League before joining Middlesbrough in the English Championship (2011-12).

Following a season with Xerez in Spain, Ogbeche spent the next five years in the Netherlands until joining NorthEast United in India in 2018. Ogbeche scored 12 goals in 18 games in his first season in the ISL, and he followed that up with a fantastic 15-goal season with Kerala Blasters in 2019-20. He is still the all-time leading scorer for both teams.

He spent the previous ISL season with Mumbai City, where he was a significant figure in the team’s success, scoring eight crucial goals in 23 games to help them win the title. With 35 goals in the ISL, Ogbeche is the third-highest goalscorer in the ISL, averaging 0.61 goals per 90 minutes.