Samuel Amadi: Iraqi side Al Karama beat Al Masry to signing of Nigerian forward from Ceramica Cleopatra

Iraqi club Al Karama have completed the signing of Nigerian forward Samuel Amadi from Egyptian Premier League side Ceramica Cleopatra, snatching the player ahead of a proposed move to Al Masry.

The deal was formally confirmed by Al Karama on Wednesday evening, bringing an end to weeks of speculation over the 24-year-old’s future.

Transfer battle settled

Amadi had been strongly linked with a switch to Port Said-based Al Masry, but Al Karama moved decisively to secure his signature.

The Iraqi club announced that they had “officially” completed the transfer of Samuel Amadi, ending interest from rival suitors and bolstering their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

Al Karama, who already have former Al Ahly winger Ahmed Abdelkader in their ranks, are increasingly turning to the Egyptian league as a recruitment market, and Amadi becomes their latest high-profile addition.

Breakthrough in Egypt

Amadi joined Ceramica Cleopatra in the summer of 2022 from Nigerian side Akwa United, arriving in Egypt as a relatively unknown prospect from the Nigerian Professional Football League.

Rather than establishing himself immediately at Ceramica Cleopatra, the forward was sent out on loan to Alexandria-based club Smouha, where he enjoyed a breakout spell over the last two seasons.

With Smouha, Amadi made 54 appearances in all competitions and scored eight goals, developing a reputation as a lively and industrious attacking option capable of operating across the front line.

His performances there attracted attention from several clubs within the region, with Al Masry initially believed to be in pole position to secure his services on a permanent basis before Al Karama intervened.

Modest numbers, growing influence

While at his parent club Ceramica Cleopatra, Amadi played 29 matches, registering one goal and one assist. It was his loan spell at Smouha, however, that significantly raised his profile.

The Nigerian’s tally of eight goals for Smouha may not be prolific, but his influence on the team’s attacking play and his consistency over 54 games helped cement his status as one of the more effective foreign forwards in the Egyptian league during that period.

His versatility, work rate and ability to adapt to different tactical systems are understood to have been key factors in Al Karama’s decision to bring him to Iraq.

Al Karama’s growing ambitions

The capture of Amadi underlines Al Karama’s ambition to strengthen their squad with players who have already proved themselves in competitive regional leagues.

By pairing Amadi with Ahmed Abdelkader, who previously played for Egyptian giants Al Ahly, the Iraqi side appear to be building an attacking unit with both experience and potential resale value.

Details of the length of Amadi’s contract and the transfer fee involved have not been disclosed, but the move is being viewed in Iraq as a statement of intent from a club seeking to raise its profile domestically and in regional competitions.

Amadi will now look to translate his Egyptian league form to the Iraqi Premier League, as Al Karama hope their new signing can provide the goals and creativity needed to push the club to new heights.