John Ibeh Delighted With Europa League Qualification

Nigerian midfielder John Ibeh was delighted that Pandurii Târgu Jiu qualified for next season's Europa League for the first time in the team's 51 year history.

In a winner - take - all match, Pandurii Târgu Jiu played a 1-1 draw with Kehinde Fatai's Astra Giurgiu on Wednesday evening and finished the season in second place with 63 points, 16 points behind capital side Steaua Bucharest.

''I said it before the start of the season that we have to take one game at a time, and we could qualify for Europe.

''Qualification for Europe is a tribute to the fans who believed in us right from the beginning, the players and the coaching staff.

''This is the golden period in the club's history. I am happy to qualify for this competition though I have played in the Champions League before.

''I just want to take a rest after a difficult season,'' Ibeh told allnigeriasoccer.com in a telephone conversation.

Though John Ibeh's season was marred by injuries, the 27 - year - old netted 8 goals in 18 matches, his best goal tally since he arrived Romania 6 seasons ago from Dutch side  Door Wilskracht Sterk.

Photo Credit: pandurii-tg-jiu.ro