Calcutta: Mohun Bagan’s new recruit Okolie Odafe was in high spirits during his first practice at the club ground, on Tuesday. The Nigerian striker, who has been the highest goal-scorer in the I-League for the past two seasons, was optimistic about the club’s chances this season.

“God is great and I think he helped me during my stint with Churchill Brothers. I am confident that Bagan will do well as a team. If I stay fit, I am sure I’ll perform well this year,” Odafe said.

The Nigerian had a brief session with the club physio Jonathan Corner too. Odafe said he was waiting for Corner’s fitness certificate and will then decide on having a full-fledged training.

“It totally depends on the physio before I start serious practise. I think it will take a couple days. I am still a bit tired now,” Odafe said.

Odafe was highly impressed with the club’s professionalism. Praising coach Steve Darby, he said, “I am really happy with the coach. It’s good to have a professional coach like Darby. The physio, too, knows his job.”

But he is not sure whether he will be available for Calcutta League matches. “The tournaments I play will entirely depend on the coach. He will decide what to do and what not to,” Odafe said.

He will be playing against his compatriot Uga Okpara, who is a defender of Bagan’s arch-rival East Bengal. But he is ready to face the challenge. “Okpara is a good friend and a great player. It will be exciting playing against him and East Bengal,” the striker maintained.

Meanwhile, Darby wants to give Odafe some time before he joins full-time practice. “He is being physically assessed by Corner. The physio will update me about his physical condition. He does not have any injuries and other such problems. He’ll be fine soon,” Darby said. The physio Corner also confirmed that Odafe had no injuries.