Saka swerves Aduana

Aduana Stars are set to lose their influential captain Godfred Saka who has turned down a chance to lead the club to the CAF Champions League next year in preference for a lucrative deal with former African champions, Enyimba of Nigeria.

Saka was in Nigeria last week to conclude a deal with the club, having earlier hinted the Graphic Sports that he wanted a career move outside Ghana.

The defender’s move is a big blow to the newly crowned Ghana Premier League champions whose CEO, Albert Commey, says the Domaa Ahenkro-based side were ready to offer out-of-contract Saka a contract extension after his deal ended last month.

Commey described Saka as “an influential player” at Aduana but indicated that they were ready to replace him should he decide to move to a different club.

Saka has been in Nigeria with his agent for over a week as the 29-year-old seeks to conclude the deal with Enyimba, who had earlier expressed interest in Kumasi Asante Kotoko defender and captain, Amos Frimpong.

In an interview with the Graphic Sports, Commey said Aduana were doing everything possible to ensure they made a significant impact in next year's CAF Champions League.

"We offered to extend Godfred Saka's contract when it ended. As it stands now he has not told us anything about moving abroad but we hear he is in Nigeria.

"He has been with the club for a very long time and is an influential member of the team but we are ready to replace him if he leaves," Commey said yesterday.

Saka, who spent seven years with the Ghana champions, confirmed to this paper that he was in Nigeria but was yet to put pen to paper to a club.

"Yes, I am in Nigeria with my agent and hopefully a deal could be reached as soon as possible. As at now nothing has been finalised," he said.

It is uncertain if Enyimba's interest in Saka would effectively end their move for Frimpong after the defender asked the Nigerian club to officially negotiate with Kotoko for his release as he was still under contract.