Through official channels, Hapoel Tel Aviv have announced that they have completed the signing of Super Eagles defender Benjamin Francis on a season - long loan deal from Heartland.<br /><br />The Israeli club have retained the option of buying him outright at the end of this season.<br /><br />The left back impressed the Reds top brass during trials, especially in Sunday&rsquo;s Toto Cup clash against league champions Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he played for 90 minutes. <br /><br />In his first words after his unveiling, the wing - back said : &ldquo;<span style=\"\\&quot;\\&quot;\" class=\"\\&quot;notranslate\\&quot;\">I</span><span style=\"\\&quot;\\&quot;\" class=\"\\&quot;notranslate\\&quot;\">&rsquo;m happy to join the club, got to know everyone and the players who want to succeed and crew is excellent. </span><span style=\"\\&quot;\\&quot;\" class=\"\\&quot;notranslate\\&quot;\"><span><span>&rdquo;<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style=\"\\&quot;\\&quot;\" class=\"\\&quot;notranslate\\&quot;\">&ldquo;I saw the derby, the fans and they gave us all strength and I am proud to join the Reds</span>.<span style=\"\\&quot;\\&quot;\" class=\"\\&quot;notranslate\\&quot;\"><span><span>&rdquo;</span></span></span><br /><br />The 21 - year - old was linked with a switch to Ironi Kiryat Shmona in the winter transfer market, but the deal collapsed after they failed to reach an agreement with Heartland.<br /><br />Benjamin Francis made Nigeria&rsquo;s squad for the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup, but failed to taste action during the tournament.<br /><br />Nigeria internationals Vincent Enyeama and Nosa Igiebor have represented Hapoel Tel Aviv in the past.<br /><br />Photo Credit : hapoelta-fc.co.il<br />