Lalitpur City FC has secured the return of their star Nigerian forward, Imoh Ezekiel, for the third edition of the Nepal Super League (NSL). Imoh, who was the top scorer in the second season of NSL and led Lalitpur to victory, will once again play for the club. Alongside him, Papa Ibou Kebe, who also played in the second season, is back to represent Lalitpur in this year’s competition.
Imoh Ezekiel’s Impressive NSL Journey
Imoh Ezekiel, a former Nigerian national team player, was the highest goal scorer in the second NSL season, netting six goals, including two in the final against Dhangadhi FC. After Lalitpur’s triumph, Imoh played for Romanian club UTA Arad.
At 31, Imoh’s football career is filled with significant international experience. He has played for top clubs across Europe, including Belgium’s Anderlecht and Standard Liège, Spain’s Las Palmas, and Turkey’s Konyaşpor. Imoh also played in the UAE for clubs like Al-Jazira and Al-Gharafa. His most notable moment in European football came when he scored in a Europa League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
A Strong International Presence
Imoh’s career with the Nigerian national team includes an appearance in a 2014 friendly against Mexico, and he was part of the Nigerian U-23 team that won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Despite not having played for the senior national team recently, his experience in European leagues and international competitions makes him a valuable asset to Lalitpur FC.
Lalitpur’s New Signings and Updates
Along with Imoh, Lalitpur has also brought back Papa Kebe, who had a great partnership with him in the previous season. Kebe was signed after Bhutan’s captain, Chencho Gyeltshen, suffered a serious injury during their recent Qatar trip. Lalitpur has been actively recruiting for the third NSL season, and they have also added several international players, including Jeffrey Baltus (a goalkeeper from the second season), Haitian winger/forward Kervens Belfort, Palestinian midfielder Jonathan Cantillana, and Senegalese defender Pape Diakite.
Key Nepali Players
Lalitpur City FC has retained some key Nepali players, including national team defender Ananta Tamang and midfielder Aditya Shakya. Another notable retention is defender Sanish Shrestha, ensuring strong local representation in the team.
New Coaching Setup
For NSL 2025, Lalitpur City FC has brought in English coach Simon Grayson as their head coach. Alongside him, national team midfielder Mani Kumar Lama has been added to the coaching staff, bringing more experience to the team.
Ready for NSL 2025
Lalitpur City FC is ready to defend their NSL title, and their first match of the season will be against the defending champions, Kathmandu Rangers, on Chaitra 16. With a strong mix of experienced internationals and talented locals, Lalitpur looks poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
With star players like Imoh Ezekiel and Papa Kebe rejoining the team, Lalitpur City FC is gearing up to defend their NSL crown. Fans can expect exciting performances as Lalitpur aims for another successful season in the NSL 2025.
