Ndifreke Effiong, Ahli Benghazi fail to reach contract extension agreement

Ahli Benghazi have failed to agree on a contract extension with Nigeria international Ndifreke Effiong.
Effiong left Akwa United in May to join the Libyan club on an initial six-month deal with an option for three further years, but he is now set to return to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium after the player and Ahly could not reach a contract extension agreement.
Effiong will not stay on at Ahli, who topped group A of the Libyan Premier League but failed to win the championship playoffs, after losing to eventual winners Al-Ittihad in the semi-finals.
Since the Libyan Premier League season came to an end, the Benina Martyrs Stadium outfit have announced the release of a number of players — including Zamrina Ahlawy and Al-Akshi.
Interestingly, Effiong hasn’t been confirmed as one of the players on Ahli’s released list but the striker has returned to Nigeria.
And according to sources, the former Abia Warriors goal poacher will not be going back to Benghazi.
234football contacted Ahli for their response on the matter but the club didn’t respond to our enquiries.
Effiong is said to have made up his mind to part company with the club after it became clear the Libyan giants would not be able to meet his financial demands.
The forward, who scored six goals in nine appearances for The Butchers, was spotted at Akwa United’s training on Monday and is set to play in an exhibition match in Calabar on Thursday, which will see Calabar NPFL Stars come up against Ben Ayi.
A source close to the player told 234football Effiong will return to Akwa United training next week.
Asked about the player’s immediate future, the source revealed that the Ikono-born forward is going to be registered for the next Nigeria Professional Football League season but will not be involved in Akwa’s continental campaign, as he was not registered for the competition.
“For now, he stays with Akwa United,” the source said, adding, “it’s rather unfortunate Akwa United will be without his services on the continent.”
Akwa United will begin their 2021-22 campaign with a Champions League two-legged tie against Algerian champions CR Belouizdad next month.