Onwuachi Explains Switch To Kavala

Nigeria striker, Benjamin Chukwuka Onwuachi says his move to Greek top side Kavala affords him the opportunity to prove he can succeed in a competitive atmosphere.

Onwuachi will be featuring in the Greek championship for the second time, after playing for Ionikos between 2006 and 2008.

The 25-year-old joined Kavala on Wednesday night from rivals Ionikos after the latter failed to conclude a deal with Cyprus side APOEL Nicosia.

“Both APOEL and Ionikos failed to reach an agreement and it was time to look elsewhere,” Onwuachi told Tidesports source.

“I enjoyed my time in Cyprus football but once the opportunity to play in the Greek top flight surfaced I felt wonderfully excited.

“I had little chance in Italy (with Juventus), I scored goals in the Cypriot league and Greek second division but nothing compares to the challenge of the top division with Kavala.

“This is probably the last chance to prove I can be a big hit in a competitive league and I am sure things will go really well.”

Onwuachi came to prominence in Italian football when he scored on his debut for Juventus in the Coppa Italia against Siena in 2003.

But with established stars like Alesandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet, Zalayeta and Miccoli ahead of him in the pecking order, he was farmed out on loan to Salernitana in the Italian Serie B.

Three goals in 15-games was the outcome of his stint at Salernitana before he returned to the Stadio delle Alpi.

With several names arriving at the Old Lady, another loan deal to Belgium was hastily arranged as the club refused to sell off their outright ownership of the Nigerian.

But that loan switch to Belgian giant Standard Liege only derailed his progress as the big money arrival from Juventus only took comfort on the bench of Standard instead.

“It was the biggest mistake of my career because while scoring freely in training and friendly games, the coach just refused to play me in any match,” Onwuachi recalled.

Ionikos rescued him from that meltdown as he attempted to resuscitate his career and a promising start which had earned him the moniker ‘Investment’.

The former FC Ebedei and AC Regianna striker may have played in Italy, Belgium, Greece and Cyprus but nothing compare to his 21 goals in 69 appearances for Ionikos.

On loan to Cyprus last season Onwuachi helped APOEL Nicosia to the Cypriot title scoring 12 goals in 32 games.

Missing out on Champions League football, Onwuachi is looking ahead to better days and fortunes with Kavala: “All that is in the past now and my immediate target is to help Kavala achieve success,” he added.

“It is a fresh start for me and I just can’t wait.”

With the chance to play alongside midfielder and compatriot Wilson Oruma in the colours of Kavala, the striker knows he has a chance to blossom in front of goal.

“After just one training session together I could tell I have a chance to be the best I can be in front of goal with him helping out.”

Kavala’s fans will be hoping their new signing can make their dream of playing European football come true.