Kennedy Okwe Eriba (born 21 December 1990) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.

Kennedy Eriba
Personal information
Full name Kennedy Okwe Eriba
Date of birth (1990-12-21) 21 December 1990 (age 35)
Place of birth Jos, Nigeria
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position Midfielder
Youth career
Mighty Jets
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2012 Wikki Tourists
2012–2013 TPS Turku 36 (1)
2012Åbo IFK (loan) 1 (0)
2014–2016 FK Jelgava 37 (4)
2016Stumbras (loan) 18 (2)
International career
2006–2007 Nigeria U17 8 (1)
2008–2009 Nigeria U20 5 (0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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Born in Jos, Eriba began his career with Mighty Jets where he played youth football for a few years before being scouted by Wikki Tourists in the Nigeria Premier League, with whom he signed his first professional contract.[1] In August 2008 Eriba had trials with Anderlecht of Belgian Pro League. Shortly after it was reported in the media that Eriba had signed for Anderlecht,[2] however it was later that the Belgium giants and representatives of the player had financial disagreements which led to the deal being canceled.[citation needed] In March 2012 the attacking midfielder signed with Veikkausliiga side TPS Turku[3] and played his debut match for the club on 15 April 2012 against MYPA.[4] He played five matches for TPS, before joining Åbo IFK on a one-month loan. During the short loan spell Eriba played his only match for Åbo IFK on 9 June 2012 against Ekenäs Idrottsförening.[5] Eriba returned to TPS and played 15 matches till November 2012.[citation needed] In his second Veikkausliiga season for TPS Eriba played thirteen games, leaving the club at the end of the season.[6] In July 2014 Eriba signed a one-year contract with the Latvian Higher League club FK Jelgava. He finished the season, having participated in 15 league matches and scored 2 goals as well as played at the UEFA Europa League qualification first-round against Rosenborg BK. Eriba helped FK Jelgava attain the bronze medals of the domestic championship and extended his contract for two more years in December 2014.[7]

International career

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Eriba was a member of the Nigerian under-20 squad that qualified for the African Youth Championship in Rwanda in 2009.[8] He was also listed in the squad for the African Youth Championship itself but was ruled out of competition due to an ankle injury.[9]

Honours

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TPS Turku

  • Finnish League Cup: 2012

References

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