Rivers United Technical Manager Stanley Eguma has explained to www.busybuddiesng.com what transpired in the aborted transfer of striker Chinedu Udechukwu to the Port Harcourt side.

Last month, Rivers United announced via their official twitter account that “We have just completed the signing of striker, Chinedu Udechukwu. He joins us from Katsina United FC”.

But in a swift twist, the forward who netted 11 times for Katsina United in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) last season, has teamed up with former Champions Rangers, playing with them in a Preseason tournament in Nnewi.

Eguma disclosed that issues bordering on the ownership rights of the player were responsible for the transfer logjam.

“I won’t say there was a problem on the transfer process but there was this argument on who actually is the owner of Chinedu (Udechukwu),” Eguma disclosed.

“Katsina United was laying claim of the player, meanwhile, other clubs and agents are laying claim of the player as well. At the end of the day, his ownership was undecided.”

Eguma also stated that playing for the Flying Antelopes in Preseason matches does not make the striker a Rangers player.

“He has not joined any other club. He is with Rangers but Rangers have not gotten the clearance of the boy from Katsina United,” he said.

“He could as well have been training with us but I think Rangers is his home team and since he is holidaying there, maybe, he decided to pitch tents with Rangers while he is working hard to get his papers.”

The former Enyimba assistant coach equally revealed that the League Management Company (LMC) is investigating the ownership tussle involving Udechukwu.

“For me, the boy has not yet gotten his freedom from Katsina United and that is why he is not registered with any team now.

“LMC is handling his case,” Eguma concluded.

In October, Katsina United Chairman Aminu Kurfi told the club’s official website that the 23-year old forward is contracted to the Changi Boys until 2019 following interest from several top sides in the NPFL.

“The player has a contract with Katsina United till 2019 and we expect him to see through this contract,” said the Katsina United boss.

“We have not received any official bid for the player and would rather call on any club interested in our players to follow the laid down rules and not to be tapping up players who are under contract with other clubs.

“I will therefore call on my fellow club bosses to be a lot more professional in how they go about running their clubs.”