Nuru signs three-year deal with Ittihad Tripoli

Ghana defender Nuru Sulley has finally joined countryman Yahaya Mohammed in signing for Libyan giants Al-Ittihad Tripoli following weeks of 'feet-dragging'.

Footy-Ghana can confirm the centre-back on Saturday, November 1 sealed his exit from Accra Hearts of Oak by signing a three-year contract with the Tripoli side in the presence of his agent Ziad Grira and Al-Ittihad’s Director of football, Professor Riad al-Juma.

Nuru, 22, after the 2013/14 season with Hearts of Oak was on the verge of moving to Libya’s Al Nasr after a successful medical but violence which broke between rebel factions in the capital, Tripoli and Benghazi decimated the deal as the Libyan League had to be shelved until calm was restored.

The start of the Libyan league was moved to January 2015 and Nuru returned to his parent club Hearts of Oak [who were yet to receive financial commitment from Al Nasr] in hope to feature and keep his shape in the 2014/15 First Capital Plus Premier League with the Phobians.

However, Nuru received yet another offer from Ittihad Tripoli two months ago following the recommendations of former Asante Kotoko attacker Yahaya Mohammed. According to an interview Yahaya granted with Accra-based Happy FM few weeks ago, Ittihad who will be featuring in the CAF Confederation Cup next term were looking for a centre-half and he managed to put in a word for his CHAN 2014 teammate.

“Initially, the turmoil in Libya made me rescind my decision to join Al Nasr but make a loan return to my mother club Accra Hearts of Oak. I received this offer from Ittihad while training and negotiating the agreement with Hearts of Oak,” Nuru Sulley reveals.

FootyGhana understands the former Mighty Jets man initially showed more interest in at least staying with the Phobians for a half season but the delay in start of the Ghanaian season contributed to his departure as the Libyan league is only a few months away to return – January 2015.

“And with the troubles said to be over in Libya while the Ghana League is nowhere to begin coupled with the offer to play in Africa for Ittihad, I have opted to make the move and challenge myself,” he added.

Nuru upon signing his three-year contract with Ittihad Tripoli was officially handed the number 15 shirt and joined his compatriot Yahaya Mohammed in his first training for the side on Saturday.