PANAJI
FC Goa have completed the signing of Nikhil Prabhu, the club announced on Thursday. The defender has put pen to paper on a one-and-half-year contract with the Gaurs, which will see him wear the club’s orange colours till the summer of 2024.
“Coming from a different system, I want to absorb as much as possible at FC Goa through sessions with my coaches and teammates in order to adapt to the FC Goa way of play as quickly as possible.
“I’m delighted to join FC Goa, a club that I’ve always admired. I’ve always found Goa’s style of play unique. As a young defender, I want to keep developing my game consistently, and I’m aware of how FC Goa offer youngsters like me ample opportunities to thrive. Hence, when I found out that the Club were interested in me, it was a no-brainer to say yes,” Prabhu said after signing on the dotted line with the Gaurs.
“I’m delighted to join FC Goa, a club that I’ve always admired. I’ve always found Goa’s style of play unique. As a young defender, I want to keep developing my game consistently, and I’m aware of how FC Goa offer youngsters like me ample opportunities to thrive. Hence, when I found out that the Club were interested in me, it was a no-brainer to say yes,” Prabhu said after signing on the dotted line with the Gaurs.
“I would be putting in my 100% to reach this target and be available for my team whenever called upon. I aim to help the club finish in the top-six and hopefully go all the way from there,” he further added.
Hailing from Maharashtra, Nikhil began his footballing career by creating a good impression with the Mumbai FC and Thane FC junior teams. In 2018, he joined the now-defunct Pune City FC’s U18 side. When the franchise shifted base to Hyderabad FC the following year, he was among the players that also joined the new team.
“We’re pleased to have gotten Nikhil on board. He’s a promising, young centre-back who is comfortable on the ball and that is something we always look for in the skill set of our defenders. He’s got a great opportunity to try and establish himself in the FC Goa setup and it’s upon the player now to take this chance and work his way into the coach’s plans,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Juggernauts signed Prabhu on a permanent basis, and he starred in their wins over East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC in the ongoing 2022-23 league season. In a short time frame itself, the youngster has shown promise and will look to impress as he now joins the Gaurs.
In the 2019-20 season, the 22-year-old made his debut for the Nizams’ Reserves Team in the Hero I-League Second Division, also scoring his maiden goal for the club in the same match against Chennaiyin FC reserves. Two seasons later, he moved to Odisha FC on loan, making his ISL debut in a goalless draw against ATK Mohun Bagan.
Hailing from Maharashtra, Nikhil began his footballing career by creating a good impression with the Mumbai FC and Thane FC junior teams. In 2018, he joined the now-defunct Pune City FC’s U18 side. When the franchise shifted base to Hyderabad FC the following year, he was among the players that also joined the new team.
“We’re pleased to have gotten Nikhil on board. He’s a promising, young centre-back who is comfortable on the ball and that is something we always look for in the skill set of our defenders. He’s got a great opportunity to try and establish himself in the FC Goa setup and it’s upon the player now to take this chance and work his way into the coach’s plans,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Juggernauts signed Prabhu on a permanent basis, and he starred in their wins over East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC in the ongoing 2022-23 league season. In a short time frame itself, the youngster has shown promise and will look to impress as he now joins the Gaurs.
In the 2019-20 season, the 22-year-old made his debut for the Nizams’ Reserves Team in the Hero I-League Second Division, also scoring his maiden goal for the club in the same match against Chennaiyin FC reserves. Two seasons later, he moved to Odisha FC on loan, making his ISL debut in a goalless draw against ATK Mohun Bagan.
