Ikechi Anya (born 3 January 1988) is a Scottish footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish side Sevilla Atlético.

[edit] Career

Born in Glasgow, Anya joined the Wycombe Wanderers youth team in the 2003–04 season, having been released by Oxford United.

His performances in the youth team ensured that he was well talked about within the club, enough that he was given the number 28 shirt by then manager Tony Adams for the match at Southend United on 11 September 2004, becoming the clubs youngester ever player at aged 16.^[1]

Like Russell Martin, he committed his short term future to the club, signing a two year deal in June 2005 and whilst at Wycombe won Apprentice of the year at the inaugural Football League awards 2006.^[2]

He was released in the summer of 2007 and signed for Oxford City, before being snapped up in January 2008 by Halesowen Town. In the summer of 2008 he joined the Glenn Hoddle Academy.^[3] On 28 February 2009, Anya signed for Football League One side Northampton Town. He made his debut as coming on as a substitute in the game away to Cheltenham Town on the same day.^[4] His first goal for the club came as part of a 3–4 defeat against Swindon Town on 24 March.^[5] His second goal came in the 92nd minute of the 3–1 victory at Leyton Orient, his goal wrapping up a vital victory in the fight against relegation for Northampton which they eventually lost.

Northampton manager Stuart Gray was keen to re-sign Anya on a long-term deal at the end of the season, but on 7 July 2009, he joined Sevilla Atlético, the reserve side of Sevilla, on a two-year contract.^{[6] [7]}

[edit] Background

Anya has expressed a desire to play international football for Scotland, the land of his birth, but is also eligible for England, Nigeria and Romania.^{[8] [9] [10]}

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Ikechi Anya career stats at Soccerbase
• Non-League to La Liga - Ikechi Anya
• From Halesowen to La Liga, Ikechi Anya recounts his tale
• Too small for a game in Castlemilk, Scots-born Ikechi Anya signs for Sevilla