The Middle East is a favourite destination for many distinguished football stars from different parts of the world winding down their playing careers. It is also a springboard for others of a younger hue to launch themselves into international limelight.

From the Nigerian local league club, Julius Berger FC, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, ex-Super Eagles burly attacker, exploded into international football consciousness after impressing for Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa in the UEFA champions league some years ago.

Today, another Nigerian player is hoping to ply a similar route to stardom. John Fuepa Nkamwa is a 22-year-old attacker who has been banging in goals for fun in Oman where he plays for division two side, Ahli Sidab. Since his move to the club few years ago he has been in inspirational form; but it is this season that he has hit his highest height with an impressive nine goals recorded so far. He is the current highest goal scorer in the division, which is on winter break at the moment.

Nkamwa is, according to his agent Julius Maigal, is hotly being courted by a couple of European teams and also some top sides in the Middle East. “We are taking our time to not rush him into just any club,” Maiga says.

With a father from Bakassi, Cross River State, and a Camerounian mother, Nkamwa refers to himself as proudly Nigerian, and expresses a wish to represent the country one day.

At above six feet, and with the added advantage of being good with his left and right feet, Nkamwa has the physique and technique to keep progressing in the game.

As the second round of the Omani league approaches, his agent enthuses: “I’m very sure he’s going to keep scoring for Ahli Sidab and make his dream move to a good.”

•Photo shows striker John Nkamwa.