Former Bendel Insurance forward Deputy Etcheta has joined Iraq League side Zhako FC.

Etcheta becomes the latest Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) player to secure a move abroad during the 2024/2025 mid-season break.

Etcheta, who previously played a key role for Bendel Insurance has been recognized as one of the standout performers for the Benin Arsenal a few seasons ago.

In addition to his stint at Bendel Insurance, the versatile attacker has also represented Rivers United in the domestic league.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has expressed concern over the increasing trend of NPFL players leaving the country for lesser-known leagues.

In a tweet on Thursday, Ideye described the exodus as detrimental to the players’ future career prospects.

“It’s really sad how all these agents ship out our young stars to start their careers. Are they really thinking of the future of the players? It’s better to start in a second division club in France, Spain, or Germany where you can easily be seen by other top clubs,” Ideye tweeted.

His comments were in response to football journalist Tobi Adepoju, who highlighted the steady migration of top NPFL talents to leagues in Iraq, Albania, and other low-profile football nations.

Ideye, a member of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, recently returned to the NPFL to join Enyimba after more than 15 years playing abroad for top clubs like West Bromwich Albion, FC Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, Olympiacos, and Malaga, among others.

Vanguard News