Victor Anichebe

Personal information
Full name	Victor Chinedu Anichebe
Date of birth	23 April 1988 (1988-04-23) (age 21)
Place of birth	Lagos, Nigeria
Height	1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)[1]
Playing position	Striker, Right Winger, Attacking Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Everton
Number	28
Youth career
2003–2006	Everton
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps (Gls)†
2006–	Everton	65 0(6)[1]
National team‡
2008	Nigeria U-23	05 0(1)
2008–	Nigeria	04 0(0)
Honours Competitor for  Nigeria Men's Football Silver 2008 Beijing Team Competition
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18:45, 26 May 2009 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 17:18, 18 October 2008 (UTC)

Victor Chinedu Anichebe (born 23 April 1988 in Lagos, Lagos State) is a Nigerian footballer currently playing for Everton. Anichebe was born in Nigeria, but moved to Liverpool aged one, his family lived initially in Toxteth before settling in Crosby^[2]. He has been described as a fast and powerful player, in the mould of a "traditional" centre forward, although has played on the right of midfield.

[edit] Club career

Anichebe is a product of Everton's Youth Academy and made his reserve team debut as a 15 year-old. Anichebe made his first team debut less than two years later on 28 January 2006, as a substitute in the 89th minute of Everton's FA Cup 4th round tie against Chelsea, replacing Simon Davies. Victor signed his first professional contract with Everton in April 2006, putting pen to paper on a deal that would keep him at Goodison Park until 2008.

His second Everton appearance came on 22 April 2006 when he was brought on with five minutes to go against Birmingham City F.C.. On May 2006, Anichebe picked up the 'Reserve Player of the season Award' for the 2005–06 season. Shortly after, on May 7, he scored his first Premiership goal against West Bromwich Albion. The 18-year-old turned his man and shot through the legs of Albion keeper, Tomasz Kuszczak.^[3]

Anichebe quickly became a fan favourite at Everton as he topped the 2006–07 pre-season scoring chart with four goals in six appearances including a brace at Bury. Anichebe scored his first two Premiership goals of the 2006–07 campaign in a 3-0 win against Newcastle United F.C. on 30 December 2006. On 2 May 2007, it was announced that Anichebe had extended his current contract with Everton until the summer of 2011.

In the 2007–08 season, the teenage striker struck four times in the UEFA Cup, against Metalist Kharkiv, Greek side Larissa, German's 1. FC Nuremberg and SK Brann of Norway after coming on as a late second half substitute in many of the games. He was dubbed Everton's European "Secret Weapon" by the fans and media because of his success in the competition. His success in the UEFA cup is believed to be because of European defenders inabilities to deal with his fast-pace and strength.

On 7 May 2008, Anichebe was voted by Everton fans to be the young player of the season for 2007/08^[4]. Although a striker, manager David Moyes has occasionally called upon Anichebe to play in the right midfield position.

Hull City made a bid for Anichebe in the January 2009 transfer window, but although the out-of-favour Anichebe was willing to make the switch, David Moyes blocked the move. Media speculation suggested that Anichebe will make the move in the summer, for a fee of around £4 million.

[edit] International career

Anichebe made his debut for Nigeria on March 26, 2008 in an Olympic games qualifying match against South Africa. Anichebe came off the bench to score the final goal in a 3-0 victory for Nigeria. He made his first start for Nigeria alongside fellow Everton player Yakubu in a friendly against Austria on 27 May 2008 being replaced at half time.

He was selected to represent Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games and on 10 August 2008 he scored Nigeria's second goal in their match against Japan. Nigeria eventually reached the final, which they lost 1-0 to Argentina, with Anichebe receiving a silver medal.

[edit] Statistics

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Anichiebe Official Profile at Everton". http://www.evertonfc.com/player-profile/victor-anichebe. 
2. ^ Anichebe hits Nigeria
3. ^ Everton FC Victor Anichebe's first Everton goal
4. ^ Young Player of the Season

[edit] External links

• Victor Anichebe career stats at Soccerbase

v • d • e Nigeria squad – 2008 Summer Olympics Silver Medalists 1 Vanzekin • 2 C. Okonkwo • 3 - • 4 Apam • 5 Adeleye • 6 James • 7 Obasi • 8 Kaita • 9 Obinna • 10 Promise • 11 S. Okoronkwo • 12 Ajilore • 13 Adefemi • 14 Odemwingie • 15 Ambrose • 16 Anichebe • 17 Ekpo • 18 Ezenwa • 19 Oladapo • Coach: Siasia