Super Eagles winger Anayo Iwuala has opened up on the turbulent period in his career at Tunisian club Esperance, revealing the off-field issues that forced his exit.
Iwuala detailed his frustrations after returning to Esperance following a successful loan spell at Algerian side CR Belouizdad during the 2022/2023 season.
In Algeria, the 25-year-old made 37 appearances, scoring four goals and providing five assists.
“When I came back, another coach was in charge, but something strange happened,” Iwuala said. “I think the club had me in mind because we [Belouizdad] were drawn in the same group with Esperance in the CAF Champions League.
Anayo Iwuala: Super Eagles forward's forced exit to Kuwait
“Calls started coming in, telling me not to play the game. And I said, why? You deemed me not good enough to play for your club, and now you don’t want me to play against you?”
Iwuala played in the fiery encounter, but the aftermath was far from ideal. “After the game, they said the president wasn’t happy with me. Why did I play? Why did I perform so well? Now, suddenly, it looked like I could play for them again.”
“I had an issue with the coach about where I would play. It became a back-and-forth, and I submitted a transfer request.
“They refused, saying they’d decide where I’d go. Eventually, they told me I’d stay unregistered if I didn’t accept their terms. I had no choice but to leave for Kuwait.” he told Eagles Tracker.
Since joining Al-Arabi in the Kuwait Premier League, Iwuala has rediscovered his form. Once a prospect for Nigeria under Gernot Rohr, earning five caps as an Enyimba player, Iwuala now hopes to reignite his career in the Middle East.
