Mohun Bagan signs Odafe for record Rs 2 cr 1-yr deal

Mohun Bagan on Wednesday signed prolific Nigerian striker Odafe Onyeka Okolie for a record Rs 2 crore one-year contract, the highest ever deal in Indian football history.

Odafe, who was already the highest paid footballer in the I-League with rupees one crore plus a year salary with Churchill Brothers, was today unveiled by Mohun Bagan at the club tent.

Mohun Bagan did not disclose the exact sum offered to the Nigerian hitman but sources said he will get Rs 1.6 crore as salary and another Rs 30,000-40,000 will be spent by the club on other perks, including on rent for his flat.

Odafe was the top scorer in the first three I-League editions but ended second this season with 25 goals behind Dempo striker Ranti Martins who netted 30.

Odafe was instrumental in Churchill Brothers'' I-League title win in the second edition (2008-09) and he became the most sought after striker in Indian club football.

He joined Churchill Brothers in 2005 and with them won Durand Cup twice (2007 and 2009) and IFA Shield in 2009, besides the I-League crown.

He was retained by Churchill Brothers for a reported rupees one crore annual salary for the 2009-10 season. Last year, he reportedly rejected a Rs one crore plus offer from Mohun Bagan to remain with Churchill on an increased pay said to be around Rs 1.25 crore.

For Mohun Bagan, who were eyeing Odafe for the last five years, the Nigerian was the biggest catch for the club which finished sixth at the I-League table.

Odafe''s return to Kolkata after first playing here for Mohammedan Sporting in 2001-02 season, was facilitated by fellow Nigerian Chima Okorie, who was also present during the unveiling.

Addressing a press conference, Mohun Bagan General Secretary Anjan Mitra termed Odafe''s signing as a great day in the club history. .