English Premier League club, Everton on Tuesday celebrated Nigeria Footballers that have passed through the club to commemorate Nigeria at 59.
The professional football club wet the appetite of fans with video and collage picture of five Nigeria internationals that have played for the club in an online post for the occasion of the Independence Day.
Nigeria sensation Alexi Iwobi who recently moved to the club from Arsenal was not missing in the post. The achievement of retired defender, Joseph Yobo with 55 caps and six goals in three years between 2008-2011 was captured for the commemoration.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni‘s name will not be forgotten among the names of Nigeria internationals that have played for the club with 24 Caps, and seven goals in his kitty between 2008 and 2010.
Nigerian former professional footballer, and former assistant manager of the Nigeria national football team Daniel Amokachi, with a stellar of six caps and two goals between 1994 and 1995 at at Everton engraved his name in gold at the club.
Victor Anichebe started at Everton from the academy trainee from 2003 before he joined the reserve team of ‘The Toffees’. On 27 February 2006, Anichebe made his début for the main team of Everton in the FA Cup match against London side Chelsea. After a while, in April the same year, he signed his first senior contract with ‘The Toffees’. On 7 May, the footballer belted his first ball in career into West Bromwich net. Besides, he was voted the top footballer of the Everton reserve team after 2005/2006 season.
On 30 December 2006, Victor made his first double in the match against Newcastle United. The forward made 23 appearances for Everton and scored four goals during the 2006/2007 season.
The following season was not that fruitful as he took part in 27 matches, but netted only one goal. However, Anichebe rehabilitated himself in the UEFA Cup games, where the footballer went on to the net of Ukrainian side Metalist, Greek side Larissa, German side FC Nuremberg and Norwegian side SK Brann. Due to the great performance in the Cup games, Victor became the Everton Young Footballer of the Year.
On 22 February 2009, the footballer got a serious trauma after a sliding tackle of Newcastle United midfielder Kevin Nolan. Anichebe was left without football for 11 month. He managed to make his return only in the match against Sunderland in January 2010. Two months later Victor celebrated his comeback by firing a goal to Birmingham City. In January 2011 the forward extended his contact with ‘The Toffees’ till the summer 2016.
Anichebe made a good start in the 2011/2012 season by banging in a goal in the game against Sheffield United. However, Victor was injured again and skipped several months. On 1 January 2012, the footballer returned on the field and chipped in a goal to West Bromwich. The forward made 12 appearances and contributed five goals that season.
In September 2013 Anichebe completed a move to West Bromwich Albion.
The list of Nigerian footballers includes players on loan to Everton but not players out on loan to other sides as Henry Onyekuru who was on loan for two seasons from the club before his final move to Monaco was omitted.
Thousands of Nigerians responded to the “Happy Independence Day Nigeria” message with appreciation with a call and invitation to come to the country to scout for talents though.
CONVERSATION WITH @EVERTON@Ziniiex said, “Thank you. please you guys should come and have an open day scouting in Nigeria.” @Joewillo1802 said, “Feed the Yak, Feed the Yak, Feed the Yak and he will Score” @cixify said, @Everton on behalf of all Nigerians worldwide i say a giant THANK YOU once again.
