Ndola giants ZESCO United have completed the signing of Nigerian international goalkeeper Sochima Victor Ndukauba, popularly known as “Odogwu” or “SochiBig16”.
Ndukauba joins Team Ya Ziko from South Sudanese champions Jamus FC, where he enjoyed a remarkable half-season spell, winning both the SSPL League and Cup double. His move comes as a direct replacement for former ZESCO shot-stopper Toaster Nsabata, who departed to join South Africa’s Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership after his contract expired.
The former Rivers United goalkeeper has signed a two-year deal with the nine-time MTN Super League champions, bringing with him an impressive resume both domestically and internationally.
“We’re thrilled to announce the signing of Nigerian international goalkeeper Sochima Victor Ndukauba, aka ‘Odogwu’ or ‘SochiBig16’. With a proven track record of excellence, Sochi joins us from Jamus FC in South Sudan, where he won the SSPL league and cup in a remarkable half-season stint,” ZESCO United confirmed.
A Proven Record of Excellence
Ndukauba was the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) goalkeeper with the most clean sheets (16) in the 2021/22 season. His stellar performances also earned him a place in the NPFL Team of the Season, a Goalkeeper of the Year nomination, and recognition at international level with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
He has made four senior appearances for Nigeria, including in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Boost for CAF Confederation Cup Campaign
ZESCO United will count on Ndukauba’s experience as they prepare for the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign. The Ndola giants face FC 105 of Gabon in the preliminary stage, with the first leg scheduled away in Libreville between 19–21 September 2025, and the return leg set for 26–28 September 2025 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The winner will progress to face either Mighty Wanderers of Malawi or Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy in the second preliminary round.
With Ndukauba between the sticks, ZESCO United will be hoping to restore their continental dominance and make a strong impression in Africa once again.
