Azango : I want to win trophies with Gent.

Azango at his KAA Gent presenttion
Two years ago, Philip Azango was mesmerizing defenders in the Nigeria Professional Football League and it was just a matter of time before he stepped up another level.

That chance came when AS Trencin of Slovakia plucked the Jos-born player from Plateau United whom he left just before they lifted the Nigerian League title in 2017.

A lot queried the move to Slovakia but Azango was determined to compensate for missing the title with Plateau even though he eventually got a medal from Plateau after their title triumph.

"It was a hard decision to take but I'm risking taker. It was sad to leave Plateau United at that point but I was focused on taking my game to the next level, "Azango told 9jafooty.

"Not everyone was impressed with me for doing that but that motivated me to work harder and prove that I can make it in Europe," he added.


In AS Trencin's colors

He buckled down to work and despite initial hitches with his work permit, he got his chance four months after joining the Slovakian champions.

Azango settled in with the help of fellow Nigerians Hilary Gong (who has left for Vitesse Arnhem), Samuel Kalu (now at Bordeaux via Gent), Chris Maduka (out on loan).

Trencin was impressed with the youngsters' progression and he soon became a regular with the team scoring goals and providing assists.

Six goals and four assists in 34 games for Trencin including three in the Europa League qualifiers made a few European clubs stood up and took notice.

With clubs in Holland and Belgium snooping around, it as only a matter of time before he moved to another league.

Trencin was not willing to sell especially as they were still in contention to make the Europa League group stage but after that dream was terminated by Cypriot side AEK Larnaca (4-1 on aggregate), they decided to let him go.

KAA Gent snapped Azango up on deadline day to finally get their man.

Azango unveiled at KAA Gent
"I want to thank God for this great opportunity to further my career as I believe Gent is a platform to show what I can do. It is good progress for me and my family," Azango said after the move.

"I'm excited about the move and after a year at Trencin, I am here. I want to help Gent win all the trophies in Belgium and I  also want to play in the Champions League or the Europa League.

Azango also spoke of his love for the English Premier League where he says he sees himself playing in a few years time.

"I love Manchester United and I wish to play for them one day. The English Premier League interests me a lot and I hope to make the move someday but for now my major focus is helping my new club," the 21-year-old revealed.

"I feel welcome here at Gent and I can't wait to get started. I want to pay back their faith in me by scoring goals and helping the team. 

The people here and fans have been wonderful since I came here. That's all a player needs to make it here. I hope this will also afford me the chance to show the coaches of the national team (Nigeria) what I can do. I hope to play for the Super Eagles soon. "he enthused.

No a tall dream for a player who's rapid progress has been nothing short of impressive.

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