Portadown manager David Jeffrey has praised Ahu Obhakhan for “more than satisfying the conditions we outlined at the beginning of our conversations” after proving his fitness to earn a new contract at Shamrock Park.

Obhakhan joined the Ports from Glebe North in 2024 and enjoyed an impressive maiden Irish League campaign, scoring nine Premiership goals across 36 appearances.

However, the 28-year-old’s involvement was limited last season due to injury with Obhakhan starting in only seven league matches.

Irish League legend Jeffrey, who replaced Niall Currie as Ports boss in April, was keen for Obhakhan to prove his fitness before handing him a new contract – and the former Drogheda United forward has now satisfied his new manager’s request.

placeholder image — Portadown manager David Jeffrey with Ahu Obhakhan. (Photo by Portadown FC)

Obhakhan has scored 11 goals in 59 appearances across all competitions for the Co Armagh club and started in Saturday’s 3-0 friendly defeat to Coleraine – Jay Henderson’s brace and a Kodi Lyons-Foster strike sealed victory for the Bannsiders.

"When we met with Ahu we made it clear his quality or ability were not in question,” Jeffrey told the club’s website. “However, we did have concerns about his sustainability after missing most of last season with injury and felt it was in the best interest of both parties to assess that over pre-season.

“Ahu from the outset made it clear he wanted to remain at Portadown and was very open and prepared to prove himself and his fitness.

“He undertook a pre pre-season program with Ian Young and, on completion of that, has not missed a training session or game of pre-season, more than satisfying the conditions we outlined at the beginning of our conversations.

“He was a joy to sign, and I’m delighted.”