Super Eagles striker retires from football after spells in Norway, Germany, China and Bulgaria

Super Eagles striker Anthony Ujah has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, bringing down the curtain on a career that spanned two decades.

Ujah, who came through the ranks at Warri Wolves, was part of Nigeria's squad at the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup, starting in the 6-1 victory over Tahiti.

He earned seven caps for the three-time African champions, with his final appearance coming in a friendly against Niger in September 2015.

The Ugbokolo-born forward made his mark in Germany, where he became a household name and is widely regarded among the top five Nigerians to have featured in the Bundesliga.

Across spells with Mainz, Cologne, Werder Bremen, and Union Berlin, he amassed 136 Bundesliga appearances and scored 30 goals — placing him third on the list of Nigerian all-time scorers in the division, behind Jonathan Akpoborie (61) and Victor Agali (32).

He also tallied 37 goals in 114 matches in the 2. Bundesliga and added seven in 24 DFB-Pokal outings.

Ujah's European journey began in Norway with Lilleström before Mainz snapped him up in 2011.

Known for his tireless work rate, pressing, intelligent runs, and ability to hold up play, he was also a reliable scorer, notably hitting double figures in consecutive Bundesliga seasons with Cologne (10) and Werder Bremen (11).

After a two-year spell in China with Liaoning Whowin, he returned to Germany in 2018, signing for Mainz again before moving to Union Berlin.

Ujah's career was cut short following a serious patellar tendon tear sustained during a Europa League qualifier for Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv against Panathinaikos.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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