Henry Onyekuru

Henry Onyekuru Biography / Profile

Henry Chukwuemeka Onyekuru was born on June 5th, 1997 in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. He is a professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Belgian First Division A club Anderlecht, on loan from Premier League club Everton, and the Nigeria national team.

Henry Onyekuru Age

Henry Onyekuru is 27 years old.

Henry Onyekuru Early Life

Born in the Nigerian city of Onitsha but raised in the capital Lagos, Onyekuru knew from an early age he wanted to be a footballer. Like many a young player he would attempt to recreate what he had seen on TV with his friends. He would train at weekends with a local side and play after school. But his mother was focused on ensuring Onyekuru completed his studies. He once recalled his mother's support, saying, "My mother has been my back bone since I was young. Words cannot express how I feel and how grateful I am for what she did for me. She kept encouraging me when things were very rough at the start of my career in Senegal. I know some parents would have told me to go back to school but she stayed patient with me and the fruit is what we all are reaping now. I hope she is happy seeing me play." His determination and desire has ultimately paid off when he was chosen to enter the Senegalese Aspire Academy in 2010. Over the next four years Onyekuru would hone his talents in an academy. He graduated in 2015 joining their partner club, K.A.S. Eupen of Belgium.

Henry Onyekuru Career

Onyekuru made his debut for Eupen on 5 September 2015 in a 2–2 tie against K.F.C. Dessel Sport in the Belgian Second Division. His first season in European football was solid if not spectacular. His dribbling ability was evident as he often drifted inside off the left flank past several players. He helped the team get promoted to the Belgian First Division A in his debut season, and made his professional debut in a 3–0 loss on 30 July 2016 against S.V. Zulte Waregem. After a successful season in the Belgium first division, he finished as one of the top scorers in the league, catching the attention of various larger teams in Europe. He finished the 2016–17 season as joint top-scorer with 22 goals, but the trophy was handed to ?ukasz Teodorczyk as he scored more away goals than Onyekuru.

On 30 June 2017, Onyekuru joined Everton for £7 million and was immediately sent on loan to Anderlecht. He was handed the number 9 jersey at Anderlecht for the 2017–18 campaign. Having scored 10 goals in 28 matches for Anderlecht, Onyekuru suffered a knee ligament in December which would require surgery. Anderlecht announced surgery would be necessary and that he would be out of action "for several months". In January 2018, it was reported that Onyekuru would return to Anderlecht after rehabilitation and full recovery.

The 20-year-old forward, was first invited to the Super Eagles camp in Ajaccio for international friendlies in May 2017. He made his debut for Nigeria in the match against Togo on June 1st, 2017.

Henry Onyekuru Personal Life

Onyekuru is currently single, and regularly visits his family in Onitsha. He is a Christian and identifies Arsenal's legend, Thiery Henry, as his football idol.