Anthony Ujah
![]() Ujah during his time with 1. FC Köln | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 14 October 1990 | ||
Place of birth | Ugbokolo, Nigeria | ||
Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1] | ||
Position(s) | Forward | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Botev Plovdiv | ||
Number | 11 | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2005–2007 | Abuja F.C. | ||
2008–2009 | Warri Wolves | 22 | (13) |
2010–2011 | Lillestrøm | 36 | (27) |
2011–2013 | Mainz 05 | 12 | (2) |
2012–2013 | → 1. FC Köln (loan) | 28 | (13) |
2013–2015 | 1. FC Köln | 66 | (21) |
2015–2016 | Werder Bremen | 30 | (11) |
2016–2017 | Liaoning Whowin | 39 | (10) |
2018–2019 | Mainz 05 | 33 | (4) |
2019–2022 | Union Berlin | 27 | (3) |
2022–2024 | Eintracht Braunschweig | 52 | (13) |
2024– | Botev Plovdiv | 0 | (0) |
International career‡ | |||
2013– | Nigeria | 7 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22 May 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 8 September 2015 |
Anthony Ujah (born 14 October 1990) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bulgarian First League club Botev Plovdiv and the Nigeria national team.
Early life
[edit]Ujah grew up in the little town of Ugbokolo in Nigeria's Benue State.[2]
Club career
[edit]Ujah began his career with Abuja F.C. In 2008, he was signed by Warri Wolves.[3] He left Warri Wolves in January 2010 to attend a trial with Lillestrøm.[4]
Lillestrøm
[edit]2010 season
[edit]Having impressed while attending the trial, Ujah signed a four-year contract with Lillestrøm and made his debut for the club on 14 March 2010 against Aalesunds FK.[5]
In January 2011, Ujah was linked with a move to England with Football League One clubs Swindon Town and Southampton reportedly interested.[6] On transfer deadline day, Ujah travelled to La Liga side Mallorca to discuss a move after Lillestrøm accepted a bid for the striker. However, no deal was signed, and Ujah started the 2011 campaign still in the Norway with Lillestrøm.[7]
2011 season
[edit]In the first game of the season on 3 March 2011, Ujah scored four goals in Lillestrøm's 7–0 victory away against Stabæk.[8] Following his strong performance, it was reported that PSV Eindhoven, among other European clubs such as Rennes, Lille, Toulouse and Sunderland, were keeping tabs on Ujah.[9] Ujah added to his tally by scoring a brace in his side's 5–0 of FK Haugesund on 25 April.[10] In May 2011, following his return of eight goals from the first six league matches for Lillestrøm, Ujah was linked to a host of bigger clubs from strong continental leagues including the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Eredivisie.[citation needed] A month later on 28 May, Ujah netted the winning goal in a 4–2 victory over Sarpsborg 08.[11] On 19 June 2011, Ujah again hit four goals for Lillestrøm, this time against Strømsgodset, helping his side to a 4–2 win in the Tippeligaen. After just 15 months in Norway, he built up a tremendous rapport with the club's supporters and arguably attained an almost legend-like status unheard of for a 20-year-old.[citation needed] He ended up scoring 30 goals in 42 matches across all official competitions for Lillestrøm.[12]
Mainz 05
[edit]In June 2011, Ujah signed for Mainz 05, after being tracked by several clubs, most notably Danish outfits F.C. Copenhagen and Brøndby IF.[13][14] Early in his Mainz career, Ujah missed multiple chances and scored a crucial own goal as Mainz were knocked out of the UEFA Europa League by Gaz Metan Mediaș.[15] Ujah scored his first two goals for his new club in a 3–1 victory over VfB Stuttgart on 4 November, ending his side's winless run that stretched back to mid-August and moved them three points clear of the relegation zone; however, these were the only Bundesliga goals he scored that season, and he made only three substitute appearances after the winter break.[15][16][17][18]
1. FC Köln
[edit]On the last day of the summer 2012 transfer window, Ujah signed for 1. FC Köln on a season-long loan.[19] He scored 13 goals in the 2012–13 2. Bundesliga and the transfer was made permanent at the end of the season.[18][20]
Köln won promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2013–14 season, with Ujah forming a strike partnership alongside Patrick Helmes. Ujah was the club's top scorer in the 2014–15 Bundesliga season, scoring 10 goals.[18][20] In March 2015, Ujah made headlines for his celebration after scoring a goal against Eintracht Frankfurt; the striker ran towards the club's goat mascot, Hennes, and grabbed its horns.[21]
In 2020 Ujah described his spell at Köln as the best time in his career.[22]
Werder Bremen
[edit]On 5 May 2015, Werder Bremen announced that they had triggered Ujah's release clause and he would join the club for the 2015–16 season.[23][24] On 24 October, Ujah scored a brace against his former club Mainz as Werder earned a 3–1 away win following five successive defeats.[25] Four days laters, he netted again, helping Werder to a 1–0 victory over his former club 1. FC Köln in the second round of the DFB-Pokal.[26] It was his first goal in a home match at the Weserstadion.[27]
Liaoning Whowin
[edit]On 5 July 2016, Werder Bremen announced Ujah would be joining Liaoning Whowin pending a medical for a reported transfer fee of €13 million. Both player and club had rejected a similar offer from Liaoning Whowin in the previous winter transfer window.[28][29] Two days later, the move was finalised with Ujah signing a three-year contract.[30] On 8 July 2016, Ujah scored on his debut for Liaoning in a 2–1 win over Shijiazhuang Ever Bright.[31]
Return to Mainz 05
[edit]In December, it was announced that Ujah would return to the Bundesliga having re-signed with former club Mainz 05 on a 3+1⁄2-year contract until 2021.[32] Although he only scored four league goals in his second spell at Mainz, Ujah did help Mainz beat rivals Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in May 2019 with a brace.[15][18]
Union Berlin
[edit]In June 2019, Ujah's move to Union Berlin, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, for the 2019–20 season was agreed. He signed a three-year deal.[33] Ujah contributed three goals in his first season for Union, but spent a long time out injured and was released in summer 2022.[34]
Eintracht Braunschweig
[edit]On 2 August 2022, Ujah signed with Eintracht Braunschweig on a one-year contract, with an optional extra year.[35] His contract was renewed for a second season after Eintracht Braunschweig avoided relegation, with Ujah contributing ten goals and five assists in the 2. Bundesliga.[36]
Botev Plovdiv
[edit]On 19 June 2024, Ujah moved to Bulgaria, signing a deal with Botev Plovdiv.[37] In July 2024, he scored in both legs of the UEFA Europa League qualifying matches against Maribor, which saw Botev Plovdiv prevail 4:3 on aggregate.[38] In August 2024, in the return encounter of the next round against Panathinaikos, Ujah suffered a torn ligament, which subsequently necessitated a knee operation and is expected to sideline him for a number of months.[39]
International career
[edit]At the end of May 2011, Ujah was called up to the Nigeria national U23 team that faced Tanzania on 5 June 2011.
He was selected for Nigeria's squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.[40]
Career statistics
[edit]Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Total | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Lillestrøm | 2010 | Tippeligaen | 24 | 14 | 3 | 3 | — | 27 | 17 | |
2011 | 12 | 13 | 3 | 0 | — | 15 | 13 | |||
Total | 36 | 27 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 30 | ||
Mainz 05 | 2011–12 | Bundesliga | 12 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | 16 | 2 |
2012–13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | |||
Total | 12 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 2 | ||
1. FC Köln | 2012–13 | 2. Bundesliga | 28 | 13 | 3 | 0 | — | 31 | 13 | |
2013–14 | 34 | 11 | 3 | 0 | — | 37 | 11 | |||
2014–15 | Bundesliga | 32 | 10 | 3 | 2 | — | 35 | 12 | ||
Total | 94 | 34 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 103 | 36 | ||
Werder Bremen | 2015–16 | Bundesliga | 30 | 11 | 5 | 3 | — | 35 | 14 | |
Liaoning Whowin | 2016 | Chinese Super League | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | 15 | 5 | |
2017 | 24 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | 24 | 5 | |||
Total | 39 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 10 | ||
Mainz 05 | 2017–18 | Bundesliga | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 12 | 0 | |
2018–19 | 22 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | 23 | 4 | |||
Total | 33 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 4 | ||
Union Berlin | 2019–20 | Bundesliga | 24 | 3 | 4 | 1 | — | 28 | 4 | |
2020–21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
2021–22 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | |||
Total | 27 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 4 | ||
Eintracht Braunschweig | 2022–23 | 2. Bundesliga | 29 | 10 | 1 | 0 | — | 30 | 10 | |
2023–24 | 23 | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | 24 | 4 | |||
Total | 52 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 14 | ||
Career total | 323 | 104 | 31 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 356 | 114 |
- ^ Appearances in the Europa League
References
[edit]- ^ "Anthony Ujah". 1. FC Union Berlin (in German). Retrieved 27 October 2019.
- ^ "Vor Flug in die Heimat: Derby-Held Ujah öffnet sein Familienalbum" [Ahead of home-bound flight: Ujah opens his family album]. Express (in German). 23 December 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
- ^ "Nigeria: Ujah, Obaje Dazzle in Denmark". Daily Champion. 5 February 2010. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
- ^ Sødal, Per Morten (23 January 2010). "Blir med til La Manga" [Joining to La Manga]. Romerikes Blad (in Norwegian). Retrieved 15 December 2015.
- ^ Andersen, Truls (14 March 2010). "Her er Lillestrøms nye spissjuvel" [Here is Lillestrøms new striker jewel]. VG Sport (in Norwegian). Retrieved 8 September 2012.
- ^ "Anthony Ujah Biography / Profile". Manpower. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
- ^ "Lillestrøm solgte ikke Ujah likevel" [Lillestrøm did not sell Ujah yet]. Dagbladet (in Norwegian). 1 February 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
- ^ "Stabæk - Lillestrøm". fotball.no. 20 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ^ Mahadew, Vincent (19 April 2011). "PSV wil zich weer versterken met Nigeriaans talent". Elf Voetbal (in Dutch). Retrieved 7 December 2015.
- ^ "Lillestrøm - Haugesund". fotball.no. 25 April 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Sarpsborg 08 - Lillestrøm". fotball.no. 28 May 2011. Archived from the original on 27 May 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ^ a b "Profile at Nifs.no". nifs.no. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
- ^ "Mainz 05 Signs Anthony Ujah From Lillestrom". SBNation.com. 28 June 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ^ Okeleji, Oluwashina (28 June 2011). "Nigeria under-23 striker Ujah joins German club Mainz". BBC News. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ^ a b c Meuren, Daniel; Schaechter, Tobias (2021). Thomas Tuchel: Rulebreaker. Biteback Publishing. pp. 143–145. ISBN 978-1-78590-723-4.
- ^ "Two sent off as Mainz end drought". ESPN Soccernet. 4 November 2011. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ^ "Gamecast: Mainz vs. VfB Stuttgart". ESPN Soccernet. 4 November 2011. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Anthony Ujah | Laufbahn | Spielerprofil". kicker (in German). Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ Okeleji, Oluwashina (31 August 2011). "Nigerian Anthony Ujah joins Cologne on loan from Mainz". BBC News. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
- ^ a b "Köln striker Ujah agrees Bremen deal | SV Werder Bremen". bundesliga.com - the official Bundesliga website. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ sport, Guardian (9 March 2015). "Cologne's Anthony Ujah apologises to goat mascot after goal celebration". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Köln spielt für Ujah eine besonders große Rolle" [Cologne plays a particularly important role for Ujah]. Kicker (in German). 9 June 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
- ^ Harding, Jonathan (5 May 2015). "Anthony Ujah to join Werder Bremen". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
- ^ "Werder holt Ujah als Selke-Nachfolger". dfb.de. 5 May 2015.
- ^ "Bremen end losing streak with stunning six-minute spell". Bundesliga. 24 October 2015. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
- ^ "Werder Bremen 1 - 0 Köln Team line-ups 10/28/15 - DFB Pokal - Goal.com". Goal. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Anthony Ujah" (in German). kicker.de. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ "Von Bremen nach China: Ujah-Wechsel ist perfekt". kicker Online (in German). 5 July 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ Klemm, Hans-Günter (5 July 2016). "Geldregen für Werder: Ujah erliegt Lockruf aus China". kicker Online (in German). Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ "辽足2亿先生:压力就是动力 首秀服从教练安排". Sina Sports (in Chinese). 7 July 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
- ^ "Ujah trifft bei seinem Debüt für Liaoning". kicker Online (in German). 10 July 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
- ^ Okeleji, Oluwashina (21 December 2017). "Nigeria's Anthony Ujah re-joins Mainz from China's Liaoning". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
- ^ Taiwo, Taiye (20 June 2019). "Newly-promoted Bundesliga club Union Berlin snap up Nigeria's Anthony Ujah". Retrieved 21 June 2019.
- ^ "Nigeria duo Ujah, Abdullahi part ways with Bundesliga side Union Berlin | Goal.com UK". www.goal.com. 14 May 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Anthony Ujah wird ein Löwe" [Anthony Ujah becomes a lion]. www.eintracht.com (in German). 2 August 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
- ^ "Vertrag von Anthony Ujah verlängert". www.eintracht.com (in German). 31 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Ботев привлече нападател с над 100 мача в Бундеслигата" [Botev signs striker with over 100 games in the Bundesliga]. Dsport (in Bulgarian). Darik Digital AD. 19 June 2024. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
- ^ "В Гърция отличиха Попето, Уджа и Акере" (in Bulgarian). temasport.com. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Звездата на Ботев Пд мина операцията, неподвижен ще е над месец" (in Bulgarian). gong.bg. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Nigeria to take new-look squad to Confederations Cup". BBC Sport. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
- ^ "A. Ujah". Soccerway. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
External links
[edit]- Anthony Ujah at National-Football-Teams.com
- Anthony Ujah at Soccerway
- 1990 births
- Living people
- People from Benue State
- Sportspeople from Benue State
- Men's association football forwards
- Nigerian men's footballers
- Nigeria men's international footballers
- 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup players
- Abuja F.C. players
- Lillestrøm SK players
- 1. FSV Mainz 05 players
- 1. FC Köln players
- Kano Pillars F.C. players
- Warri Wolves F.C. players
- SV Werder Bremen players
- Liaoning F.C. players
- 1. FC Union Berlin players
- Eintracht Braunschweig players
- Bundesliga players
- 2. Bundesliga players
- Eliteserien players
- Chinese Super League players
- Nigerian expatriate men's footballers
- Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Norway
- Expatriate men's footballers in Norway
- Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Germany
- Expatriate men's footballers in Germany
- Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in China
- Expatriate men's footballers in China