Ironman returns ‘home’ to Pahang for new season

Back in action: Dickson Nwakaeme (left) was out for a season due to injury but kept himself fit by playing in the Nigerian League.

PETALING JAYA: Nigerian striker Dickson Nwakaeme has re­turned to his ‘village’ after signing a one-year deal to play for Pahang in the Malaysian Super League.

The 32-year-old played for Pahang from 2014 to 2015 and was also a key player for Kelantan in 2013.

In 2015, he scored 10 goals in 28 matches and was instrumental in the AFC Cup when he scored six goals in five games.

Pahang manager Datuk Sufian Awang was delighted to confirm the signing and said Nwakaeme’s presence would surely bring back the crowd to the Darul Makmur Stadium.

“Orang Besi (Ironman) returns to his kampung (village). He always wanted to join us, and now that he is fully fit, we’re glad to announce his signing,” said Sufian.

“He was out for a season due to injury but kept himself fit by playing in the Nigerian League. Dickson is a household name here. Coach Dollah (Salleh) wanted a striker of his pedigree. He has the influence, and he loves Pahang. Also, he can speak Bahasa Melayu pretty well, and that’s an advantage,” said Sufian.

Nwakaeme last played for Angers SCO in Ligue 1 from 2016 to 2017 and was in Lagos, Nigeria in 2018.

Pahang have also signed French defender Herold Goulon from Cypriot club Ermis Aradip­pou and the 30-year-old is expected to partner Muslim Ahmad at centreback.

“We wanted a player with good composure. Goulon fits the bill as he can lead the backline with his strength and influence,” said Sufian.

Goulon used to feature for English clubs Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers during his junior days and went on to play in countries like Poland, Romania and Cyprus.

It’s learnt that Pahang are also close to signing a Brazilian striker, who used to play with Neymar in the Brazilian Serie A.

The club will kick off their Malaysian Super League campaign by playing Kuala Lumpur at the Cheras Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 1.

Last season, the club finished fourth in the Super League behind defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, Perak and PKNS.