Segun Atere joins Gent

The player appeared in the colours of Oluyole warlords, Shooting stars in the 2003 Nigerian soccer season and also had a brief loan stint with Makurdi side, El-Kanemi warriors.

Although details of the contract remain sketchy, the former Shooting star of Ibadan is excited about the prospect of playing in the Belgian jupiler liga.

“I believe I now have the opportunity to show the world what I can do” the attacking midfielder confided in www.nigeriasports.com  minutes after signing.

Atere is strongly remembered for his outstanding performance with the national U-17 side in Seychelles in year 2000.

His impressive showing at the AYC in resulted in great accolades from Caf officials triggering high expectations.

Dashed dream

His fortune took a dramatic turn as he failed to make the 2001 World cup in Trinidad and Tobago due to a terrible injury, though the team finished second behind France, his life was never the same again missing out on the world stage.

In his words, it was sad watching the championship from home “Although I have put that behind me now but it keeps coming back to me that my presence would have changed a lot of things” he recalled.

Medical success

Atere passed medical Wednesday to hasten up his residential permit thus erasing initial fears, as the Khalilou Fadiga fever of Inter Milan is still a major concern in the whole of the Belgian football circle.

KK Gent general manager was delighted and was quoted as showing great satisfaction and relief afterwards.

“He’s a strong lad I’ve been told and the medical team were very strict in handling his medicals” he explained.

Learning the curve

Meanwhile, Mozambique born Gent assistant trainer, Charly Masonda, according to the General Manager, is saddled with the duty of keeping the youngster in shape before linking up with his new team mates who are expected back on Sunday from France.