Victoria United midfielder Wilfred Nathan Doualla has been transferred to Turkish club Antalyaspor amidst an ongoing double identity controversy that threatens to ruin the 17-year-old’s promising football career.
The announcement of Doualla’s transfer was made by Victoria United on March 14, when the club revealed that Antalyaspor had secured the services of both Doualla and his teammate, Ewane Fils Enopa, as part of a lucrative deal.
In exchange for the players, Antalyaspor will offer Victoria United 500,000 Euros annually.
Beyond the financial aspect, the agreement between the two clubs includes various collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering mutual development.
Both clubs will engage in coaching courses, internships, exchange of coaches, and camping sessions, in their partnership and cooperation.
The deal holds promising prospects for both sides, particularly for the Victoria United footballers, who stand to benefit from exposure to international football and the opportunity to gain valuable experience at a higher level of competition.
However, Doualla’s transfer comes at a tumultuous time for the young midfielder, as he finds himself embroiled in a double identity scandal that has cast a shadow over his footballing career.
The controversy first arose when Doualla’s age came under scrutiny after he was included in the national team squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Many observers questioned the authenticity of his reported age, noting that he appeared older than his stated age of 17.
The suspicions surrounding Doualla’s age were further exacerbated when the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) released a list of 63 players suspended from participating in the Elite One play-offs due to allegations of double identity.
Doualla, alongside his teammate Nji Richmond, were named on the list. But Victoria United denied the allegations.
