Michael Obiku facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Michael Edirin Obiku | ||
| Date of birth | 24 September 1968 | ||
| Place of birth | Warri, Nigeria | ||
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Playing position | Striker | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Feyenoord Rotterdam (Feyenoord Soccer School coach) | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1986–1987 | Flash Flamingoes | 29 | (13) |
| 1987–1989 | Iwuanyanwu Nationale | 40 | (28) |
| 1989–1992 | Anorthosis Famagusta | 69 | (33) |
| 1992–1996 | Feyenoord | 71 | (23) |
| 1994 | → Helsingborg (loan) | 14 | (9) |
| 1996–1997 | Mallorca | 26 | (14) |
| 1997–1998 | Avispa Fukuoka | 25 | (9) |
| 1998–1999 | AZ | 13 | (2) |
| 1999–2000 | Anorthosis Famagusta | 21 | (14) |
| Total | 308 | (145) | |
| National team | |||
| 1988–1993 | Nigeria | 5 | (1) |
| 1988 | Nigeria Olympic | 2 | (0) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 2007– | Sparta Rotterdam (youth) | ||
|
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Michael ("Mike") Edirin Obiku was born on September 24, 1968, in Warri, Nigeria. He is a retired Nigerian football player who used to play as a striker. Today, he works as a coach at Feyenoord Rotterdam's Soccer Schools, helping young players learn the game.
Contents
Michael Obiku's Football Journey
Michael Obiku started his football career in his home country, Nigeria. He first played for a team called Flash Flamingoes. After showing his talent there, he moved to another strong Nigerian team, Iwuanyanwu Nationale.
Playing in Cyprus and the Netherlands
Obiku then moved to Cyprus, where he became a very successful player for Anorthosis Famagusta. His great skills caught the eye of Jorien van den Herik, who was the chairman of the Dutch club Feyenoord. Van den Herik convinced Obiku to come and play in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
While playing for Feyenoord, Obiku helped his team win some big titles. They won the Dutch league, known as the Eredivisie, in 1993. He also helped them win the KNVB Cup (a major cup competition) in both 1994 and 1995.
Making History in Japan
After his time with Feyenoord, Michael Obiku made history. He became the first Nigerian player ever to play in the J1 League, which is the top football league in Japan. He played for Avispa Fukuoka there.
Return to Cyprus and "Black Diamond" Nickname
In 1999, Obiku returned to Cyprus and rejoined his favorite team, Anorthosis Famagusta F.C.. He scored 13 goals that season, helping his club win the Cypriot Championship for the fourth time in a row.
Even after many years, Obiku is still seen as a legend at Anorthosis Famagusta FC. Many people believe he is one of the best players to ever play for the club and in Cyprus. Fans gave him the nickname "Black Diamond" because of his amazing skills during his first time with the club from 1989 to 1992, when he scored 36 goals.
Memorable Moments on the Field
Michael Obiku was known for his exciting celebrations when he scored a goal. He would often take off his shirt, throw it on the ground, and dance around it.
In one match against Willem II, he got so excited that he jumped into the fences around the pitch. He accidentally injured his hands on the barbed wire but kept playing after getting some quick treatment for his bleeding hands.
One of his most famous moments happened on March 8, 1995. He scored a "golden goal" in the KNVB Cup quarter-finals against Feyenoord's big rivals, Ajax Amsterdam. Ajax was a very strong team that year and even won the Champions League, but Obiku's amazing solo effort knocked them out of the KNVB Cup. This goal made him a hero to the Feyenoord supporters.
Michael Obiku's International Career
Michael Obiku also played for the Nigerian national team. He represented his country in the 1988 African Cup of Nations. He also played in two matches to qualify for the World Cup.
In 1988, he played for 12 minutes at the 1988 Summer Olympics. His final international match for Nigeria was in April 1993 against Ethiopia.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Obiku para niños
