The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sent birthday greetings to former Super Eagles striker Victor Anichebe who turns 32 on Thursday, Completesports.com reports.
The continent’s football governing body sent their wishes via their verified Twitter handle.
Also Read: Enyeama: I Hold No Grudge Against Oliseh
Aside Anichebe, CAF also celebrated Cape Verde defender Carlos Tavares and DR Congo midfielder Marcel Mbayo.
“Happy Birthday to Carlos ‘Carlitos’ Tavares, Marcel Mbayo, Victor Anichebe,” CAF wrote on their Twitter handle.
Anichebe was born in Lagos , Lagos State, Nigeria but moved to Liverpool, Merseyside, England aged one.
He made his reserve-team debut for
Everton as a 15-year-old and his first-team debut less than two years later on 27 February 2006, as a substitute in the 89th minute of Everton’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea.
On April 2006, he signed his first professional contract with Everton, a two-year deal.
After seven years at Everton he signed for West Bromwich Albion defender in 2013 and other clubs he has played for are Sunderland and Beijing Enterprises.
He made his first start for Nigeria alongside fellow Everton player Yakubu in a friendly against Austria on 27 May 2008 being replaced at half-time.
Also in 2008, he was a member of the U-23 Eagles that won silver in the football event of the Beijing Olympics.
In October 2012, Anichebe announced he was focusing on his form for club side Everton, rather than on earning a return to the Nigerian team.
He was subsequently omitted from the squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations , a tournament which Nigeria won. In May 2013, Anichebe temporarily retired from international football to concentrate on his club career. However, he said he would return to international football in the future.
By James Agberebi
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COMMENTS
God bless to you Anichebe, happy birthday. One player that always gave 100% whenever he wore the Nigerian national colours. Really great talent but wasn’t just lucky with injury. Thanks for the joy you brought to us SE fans.
Lessons Learnt?
This is hoping that the NFF uses this time of Anichebe’s birthday to reflect on what they can do to ensure that players who once had the passion and burning desire to represent their national team don’t just lose their motivation simply, partly or largely on how poorly they believe they were treated by the football authorities.
Anichebe once had fire in his belly to represent the Super Eagles however following the groin injury he suffered during a 2012 Afcon qualifier against Madagascar in September 2011, that flame was doused and Anichebe announced what now turns out to be a permanent break from international football.
“I didn’t feel that the Nigerian federation was there for me then in the same manner (as Everton football club), which was especially disappointing given that I got the injury representing my country.” Said Anichebe on ESPN after his convalescence.
The Lagos born centre forward’s career has always being plagued by injuries. When you add the rigours of international football into the mix, then you have a factor that has the potential to exacerbate his injury-prone body, yet the fire and passion within him allowed the 32 year old to overlook that element as he flew from Europe to represent Nigeria when called upon.
However, after the injury he sustained during a national assignment and the unacceptable way he felt he was treated by the NFF, Anichebe called time on his national team career.
However, ever the gentleman, Anichebe maintains that he bears no grudge.
“I don’t blame anyone for this nor do I have any issues with anybody from the NFF or Stephen Keshi our coach” reflected Anichebe back in 2013.
Happy birthday Victor Anichebe!!!
On that note, I really hope the NFF and looking after Tyrone Ebuehi in this his injury-time-of-need.
It will be a shame to lose that guy to shambolic treatment from the NFF once he overcomes his injury nightmare and starts performing like the world class fullback that we know he has the potentials to become.