Babadidi off to Europe

Gombe United striker, Mustapha Babadidi (pictured) has signed a "long-term contract" with a European club, according to his agent, Tony Harris.

When asked by SuperSport.com about VVV-Venlo being the possible destination of Babadidi in Europe, the London-based agent declined to confirm the potential new employers of the Nigerian.

“I can only tell you that Babadidi will soon depart to Europe. However his destination will definitely not be France, that’s for sure,” responded Harris.

Harris then complained about speculation that the pacy attacking winger had committed to a French Ligue 1 side.

It was learned that Gombe United officials held talks with representatives of a French club believed to be Olympique Marseille at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja last Saturday in respect of transferring Babadidi and his strike partner, Sanusi Sani.

Gombe United coordinator, Mallam Farouk Yarma confirmed the meeting took place but refused to state if the French club were Olympique Marseille.

"Yes a French club wanted to talk to us about our players - Mustapha Babadidi and Sanusi Sani. We told them that Babadidi has already signed a contract with another club and he's not open for any discussion whatsoever because we don't want to flout any engagement or put the boy into any trouble," the Gombe United supremo said.

Harris has also rubbished report of his client, Babadidi agreeing to join a French club.

He added that it is "an open secret" that Babadidi has signed for another club before the French side came calling.

“This story is not correct and cannot be construed as legal because Babadidi couldn’t legally enter into an agreement with another club. He has already signed a contract with a club in Europe and this is an open secret.

“I am aware of some ridiculous plots by various greedy cowboy traders from their respective regions, deliberately trying to deceive and lure Babadidi astray with various sweet quixotic, rosy promises.

“However the fact is that the player has already committed himself to a long-term contract in Europe and any person or persons attempting to flagrantly breach regulations and poach the player should brace themselves up for a crippling lawsuit,” warned the Englishman.

In April, SuperSport.com first broke the report that Olympique Marseille were interested in the teenage striker, who won the January edition of the Bloggers Player Award for his outstanding performance in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL).

When SuperSport.com spoke to the player about interests from European clubs as well as having signed for a club.

Babadidi, who missed the chance to train with the Super Eagles earlier this year due to injury, simply replied: “I am not allowed by my club to comment on anything.”

The Gombe United man has scored nine goals this term in the Premier League.

The youngster, who can also play as a winger, has been sidelined by a shin injury since March following a clash with Enugu Rangers' goalkeeper, Godwin Anyaolgu during a league game.

But he has recovered and returned to training, according to Gombe United officials.