Kelechi John (born 7 September 1998) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Liga Portugal 2 club Oliveirense.

Kelechi John
Personal information
Full name Kelechi Christian John
Date of birth (1998-09-07) 7 September 1998 (age 25)
Place of birth Kaduna, Nigeria
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
Oliveirense
Number 19
Youth career
2016 El-Kanemi
2017-2020 Rio Ave
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2020–2022 Casa Pia 55 (0)
2022–2023 Central Coast Mariners 3 (0)
2023 B-SAD 14 (2)
2023– Oliveirense 15 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 4 January 2024

Career edit

John started his career in Nigeria, before moving to Portugal and signing with Rio Ave F.C. where he played in their youth and reserve teams

Central Coast Mariners edit

John moved from Portugal to Australia and signed for the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League Men competition.,[1] becoming their sixth signing of the 2022-23 season. He made his debut for the Gosford side for their Round 2 away trip to Wellington Phoenix in a 2–2 draw.[2]

After suffering an re-occurring injury and struggling to return to the first team due to excellent performances from his injury replacement Brian Kaltak, the Mariners agreed to sell him to B-SAD in the Liga Portugal 2 for an undisclosed amount.[3]

On 11 July 2023 Liga Portugal 2's Oliveirense announced the signing of John for an undisclosed fee.[4]

International career edit

John has been called up to represent the Nigerian U-23s.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ "NIGERIAN UNDER-23 INTERNATIONAL KELECHI JOHN SIGNS FOR MARINERS". Central Coast Mariners. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  2. ^ "Starting Formation". Keep Up. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  3. ^ "KELECHI JOHN DEPARTS THE CENTRAL COAST FOR PORTUGAL". Central Coast Mariners. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  4. ^ "Kelechi oficializado como reforço da UD Oliveirense" [Kelechi officialized as reinforcement by UD Oliveirense] (in European Portuguese). Record. 11 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  5. ^ Comito, Matt. "Mariners sign Nigerian U23 international with 'big ambitions'". Keep Up. Retrieved 6 April 2023.

External links edit