Shillong, Jan 7 (IANS): I-League club Shillong Lajong FC have re-signed Nigerian midfielder Penn Orji for the upcoming season of the league which starts from Saturday.

“Shillong Lajong Football Club have re-signed the versatile midfieder Penn Orji for the forthcoming Hero I-League season. With the addition of Penn Orji, Lajong is all set to play their first match against Mumbai FC on 10th January at the JN Stadium,” said a release from the club on Thursday.

Orji has been playing in India for seven years and has featured for top clubs like Jagatjit Cotton and Textile (JCT), East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting. He played for Shillong last season in the I-League.

He also played in the Indian Super League's (ISL) first edition for Kerala Blasters FC when they reached the final.

“In his stint with Lajong last season, Penn played a significant role and was also one of the fittest players in the squad. The coaching staff and management understood the importance of having a player with a considerable amount of experience in the I-League and hence, the Club signed him for the second consecutive year,” the release added.

Head Coach Thangboi Singto welcomed the signing, saying: “Penn is a player with good I-League experience. He performed really well in all the matches when he joined last year.We needed someone of his calibre in central midfield. He contributes a lot both in attack and defence.”

“We expect him to lead from the middle, front and back. And we welcome him back to the home of Lajong.”