Official: Son of former Super Eagles defender released by Aston Villa

Promising Nigerian youngster Ruben Shakpoke has been released by Aston Villa, according to the official list of released Aston Villa players published on the Premier League website.

Football runs in his family with his father, Jero Shakpoke playing professionally for Reggiana, Bologna, OGC Nice, Varese and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise among others before hanging up his boots.

Jero Shakpoke was earmarked by ex-Nigeria coach Bora Milutinović to be the Super Eagles first choice right-back at the 1998 World Cup, only for him to suffer a career threatening injury in a pre-World Cup friendly against Netherlands eight days before Nigeria's opener.
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​Ruben, who plays as a center forward, joined Aston Villa in 2020 from Norwich City on a scholarship deal and penned his first pro contract in January 2021.
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Shakpoke struggled for game time with both Aston Villa's U18 side and the developmental squad due to injuries. 
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He made fourteen appearances combined in the U18 Premier League and Premier League 2. 

The 19-year-old registered just three goals for Aston Villa youth teams, comprising two in the U18 Premier League and one in the Premier League 2. 
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Chisom Afoka, Caleb Chukwuemeka and Tim Iroegbunam have been retained by Aston Villa for the 2023-2024 season.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: avfc.co.uk

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