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

Kelechi John
Personal information
Full name Kelechi Christian John
Date of birth (1998-09-07) 7 September 1998 (age 26)
Place of birth Kaduna, Nigeria
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
Portimonense
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)
2023–2024 Oliveirense 32 (2)
2024– Portimonense 3 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17 November 2024

Career

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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

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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

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

References

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  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.
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