VVV Will Break Record For Nigerian Players Held By Ajax If Nwakali Debuts

Allnigeriasoccer.com can confirm that VVV Venlo will become the first Dutch Eredivisie club to have seven Nigerians play for the first team if Kelechi Nwakali makes his top-flight debut against Groningen at Euroborg on Sunday afternoon.

Dutch website ad.nl first reported that VVV Venlo are set to become the first club with seven Nigerian players represent the first team, a record they jointly hold with Ajax Amsterdam currently.

Tijani Babangida was the first Nigerian player to represent VVV Venlo, from 1991-1993, followed by Super Eagles star Ahmed Musa, Alex Emenike Nkume, Uche Nwofor, Michael Uchebo and goalkeeper Robin Udegbe in that order.

As for Ajax Amsterdam, Finidi George, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Pius Ikedia, Christopher Kanu and Tijani Babangida have represented the famous Dutch club in the Eredivisie.

Nwofor scored 15 goals (6 assists) in 64 matches for VVV Venlo before transferring to Lierse SK, Ahmed Musa contributed to 22 goals (10 goals, 12 assists) from 42 appearances prior to his move to CSKA Moscow.

As first reported by allnigeriasoccer.com, Kelechi Nwakali has chosen to wear the number 25 jersey at VVV Venlo in honour of his mentor Nwankwo Kanu.

The Flying Eagles skipper has been loaned out by Arsenal for the entirety of the season after failing to obtain a British work permit.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel