Both had both been playing for Savusavu in Fiji but were released by the district to come to Port Vila and their arrival has been greeted with much excitement by the football-mad locals.
Imports from foreign shores are a common occurence in Vanuatu football but usually hail from countries in closer proximity such as neighbours Solomon Islands.
It is rare for a club to attract talent from outside the Oceania region and the Nigerian duo have already been hailed as being amongst the most intriguing signings in the country’s footballing history.
Olatade, 24, and Edewor, 26, were greeted to a warm welcome by Tupuji Imere President Philip Malas, other club officials and fans after touching down from Fiji this week and expectations are high that the new recruits will make a positive impact.
“Our dream of bringing international players to Tupuji Imere has finally come true,” Tupuji executive member Levi Kalmalap says.
“The club’s performance will definitely be worth watching next season.”
The pair are pleased to begin a new chapter of their footballing careers in Vanuatu and cannot wait to take the field in Tupuji colours as the side looks to improve on last season’s placing of fourth.
“I’m very happy to be here,” Olatade says.
“I want this to begin as quickly as possible so I can show what I can do for my new club.”
Tupuji captain Saimata Chilia is excited at the prospect of lining up alongside the outfit’s first ever non-Pacific foreign signings.
“We are happy that we have been able to recruit players from outside Oceania to play for our club and I am looking forward to playing with them,” he says.
For more on Vanuatu football go to www.vanuafoot.vu

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