John Ogu Apologizes To Academica, Coach For Late Return To Training

Nigeria international John Ogu faces a fine by Academica and a role on the substitutes bench for returning late to Portugal after the Christmas break.

The Academica brass had mandated the squad to resume training on December 27 only for the 25 - year - old midfielder to join the team four days behind schedule.

John Ogu had traveled to Nigeria to attend the wedding of his sister which took place last week but a travel hitch forced him to spend the extra unauthorized days in his homeland.

For a start, he has been axed from first team training by iconic manager Sérgio Conceição and there are now speculations linking him with an exit from the Students in the January transfer window.

“I apologize to the club for arriving Portugal late. I was looking forward to the resumption of training but I had to travel to Nigeria to attend my sister’s wedding.

“I had intended returning on 28th December. Travel arrangements are difficult to change at short notice in these parts especially during the yuletide celebrations.

“I did all I can, went to the airline but there was no available flight, all fully booked,.

“Once again, I apologize to the management and my coach for getting this wrong,”a remorseful John Ogu told allnigeriasoccer.com.

With John Ogu’s contract set to expire in June 2015,  he has repeatedly pledged his loyalty to Academica .

“I love Academica, was excited with their project and that is why I signed for them despite offers elsewhere. Why would I want to leave after a year and some months?

“Sergio Conceição is a great coach and one of the top figures in Portuguese football. I want to learn under him to become a better player for club and country.

“I understand there are so many players fighting for 11 starting shirts and I know my time will come.

“I have to respect the decision of the coach because he knows better than me. I love the city, supporters and will see out my contract,” adds John Ogu.

The central midfielder has made 6 appearances in the Primeira Liga so far this season.