ISL 2021-22: Odisha FC rope in Nikhil Prabhu on loan from Hyderabad FC

Odisha FC has decided to rope in the services of defender Nikhil Prabhu on loan from Hyderabad FC in the ongoing eighth season of the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22, the club announced on Thursday. Odisha FC has thus far conceded 20 goals in the eight matches they have played in the ongoing season and they would aim to tighten their defense in the upcoming matches.

Odisha FC received a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Hyderabad FC in their previous match and they would aim to turn the tables with the help of their new signing.

“Odisha FC have reached an agreement with Hyderabad FC over the loan, with an option for a permanent transfer, deal of 21-year-old defender Nikhil Prabhu. He will be representing the Bhubaneswar-based side till the end of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2021-22,” the club said in a statement.

“Nikhil Prabhu played in various local clubs in Mumbai before joining FC Pune City academy in 2019. He represented the Hyderabad FC reserve team before getting a call from the first team for Hero ISL 2021-22,” it added.

The 21-year old will look to grab his chances for Odisha FC and it will be interesting to note his performances. Nikhil didn’t get a lot of chances for Hyderabad FC and he would be determined to prove his mettle while playing for Odisha FC.

Odisha FC has won three out of the eight matches they have played while they have lost four and one has ended in a draw. Thus, they currently occupy seventh place in the table with 10 points under their bag.

Odisha will next face table-toppers Mumbai City FC in their next fixture at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Monday but it is not clear whether Nikhil Prabhu will be available for the contest.