Defending champions of the Nigeria Premier League, Dolphins of Port Harcourt, say they have signed-on Isiaka Olawale of Kwara United to play for them in the 2012 season.

The Media Officer of Dolphins, China Acheru, said in a statement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt that Olawale, a central midfielder, joined the club on an agreed transfer fee.
The sign-on fee was not disclosed by Dolphins’ management.

“After protracted negotiations, Dolphins and Kwara United finally agreed on a fee for the transfer of Isiaka Olawale to the league champions.

“Olawale has been a Dolphins target for two seasons now but they always failed to get him to agree on a deal,’’ the statement said.

It said that after Dolphins league game with Kwara United last Saturday at Ilorin, officials of the two clubs concluded the transfer of the player.

The statement said after the deal, Olawale was elated.

“I am actually very excited at joining Dolphins knowing they have been chasing me for about two years now.

“Actually, family pressure kept me away from joining Dolphins two seasons ago because I was at Lobi Stars. My people wanted me to return home and that is why I chose Kwara United then.

“But after serving them well, I said it is time to move on and that is why I am here at Dolphins. I hope to give my best to this club and help them achieve their targets for the season,” it quoted Olawale as saying.