Uche Agbo joins Hapoel Rishon Lezion as former Nigeria defender earns messages of support

Former Nigeria central defender Uche Henry Agbo has completed a move to Israeli club Hapoel Rishon Lezion, prompting a wave of congratulatory messages.

The 30-year-old will play in the Israeli Liga Leumit after completing a full transfer on Sunday. He was officially unveiled by the club after passing his medical examination.

The transfer was confirmed by Agbo’s representative, UDE Sports Management Limited, working in conjunction with Makoz Group.

Agbo, who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, arrives at Hapoel Rishon Lezion with extensive experience from clubs in several European leagues.

His previous teams include Granada, Rayo Vallecano and Deportivo La Coruna in Spain, as well as Standard Liege in Belgium, Sporting Braga in Portugal and Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia.

The move represents another stage in Agbo’s career, which began with Nigeria’s under-20 side, the Flying Eagles. He later made his senior international debut in 2017 and earned a cap for the Super Eagles.

He is now looking ahead to his time in Israel, where he has received messages of encouragement from former team-mates, colleagues and other well-wishers following the transfer.

Former Super Eagles striker Stephen Ayodele Makinwa was among those to congratulate him. Makinwa wrote on social media: “Congratulations to Uche Henry Agbo on signing a two-year deal with מועדון הכדורגל הפועל ראשון לציון! A new chapter begins. Wishing you success, growth, and many great moments ahead. Go make it count!”

Agbo’s arrival adds an experienced Nigerian international to Hapoel Rishon Lezion’s squad for its campaign in the Israeli second tier.