FC Pune City, the Pune franchise of the Hero Indian Super League, has added a fourth striker to its squad, after David Trezeguet, Iván Bolado Palacios and Joquiam Abranches, in the form of the attacking center forward Dudu Omagbemi from East Bengal Club . The Nigerian who has been playing in India since 2001, has come on board with FC Pune City on loan, and is renowned for his attacking game and amazing fitness. Dudu has scored eight goals in his last six appearances for his club, East Bengal this year.

Dudu is known to be one of the most prolific strikers in the I-league, working wonders for his previous clubs in numerous occasions. Dudu started his career in India in 2001. While playing for the I-League he had many great successes with Sporting Clube de Goa, with whom he played for eight seasons, becoming the league’s top goal scorer. He scored 73 goals in 89 appearances for his club.

“It feels good to be a part of FC Pune City. The training methods are different from what I am used to, but I am hopeful of adjusting to this very quickly. The team looks in good shape and I am happy to be training under a great coach and playing with talented players,” said Dudu Omagbemi after finishing his first training session with the team.

The striker is a valuable buy for the club, as he is acclimatized to playing in Indian conditions, and can be lethal as a forward with his East Bengal teammate Joquiam Abranches as seen in the past. He will also be a valuable support to the team’s other two forwards Spaniard Iván Bolado and marquee signing David Trezeguet.

The charismatic football player rejected an Olympic call-up in 2008 to put his career back on track and joined the 3-time Hungarian champion Debreceni VSC. After playing for clubs in Hungary and Finland, Dudu signed for I-League side East Bengal Club this August on a one-year deal.

“We needed another forward as currently Abranches is injured. It’s good that we have got our fourth forward in the form of Dudu. He is fast and is technically sound and can play alongside Trezeguet and can also be a good change for him,” said head coach Franco Colomba.

Gaurav Modwel, CEO, FC Pune City said, “We are very happy to have signed Dudu, who is in great form, with extensive experience of Indian conditions and pitches. Dudu has capabilities of changing the course of any game. He showed everyone he is in fine form during the Calcutta Football League, which East Bengal won. With his inclusion in FC Pune City, we cannot wait to see him in action for the Indian Super League.”

FC Pune City has showcased impeccable form in the friendlies going unbeaten in three matches against Deccan Rovers FC, ONGC and I-League team Pune FC.