Eleta Kingsley, who was born and raised in Nigeria before claiming Bangladeshi nationality, made his international debut in red and green jersey during the first Fifa friendly of two-match series against Seychelles Saturday.
The striker was not included in the starting XI in Sylhet as Bangladesh led the first-half 1-0 thanks to Finland-born full-back Tariq Kazi’s header in the 43rd minute.
Kingsley, who was brought on after the break, became the first African-origin footballer to make an international appearance for Bangladesh.
He replaced Aminur Rahman Sojib who couldn’t make any impact earlier as neither team managed to create any clear-cut chances before the hosts broke the deadlock.
Culled from: Dhaka Tribune
Who is Eleta Kingsley?
Eleta Kingsley Oshiokha (born 29 October 1989) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bangladesh National Football Team and Abahani Limited Dhaka in the Bangladesh Football Premier League. Born in Nigeria, he represents Bangladesh at international level.
Eleta started his football career at an early age, enrolling in Nigerian academies. He played youth football with Nigerian Ports Authority FC.
He began his senior career with Nigeria club Gabros International FC.
Afterwards, he played for Dolphin FC. From 2009 to 2011, he played for Nigerian club Akwa United F.C.
Afterwards, he left Nigeria and went to Uzbekistan, but due to work permit and other complications, he had to leave that country, ultimately heading to Bangladesh on the advice of a friend.
He played in a match between foreigners and national team players, impressing and receiving offers from many top Bangladeshi clubs such as Abahani Limited Dhaka and Sheikh Jamal DC, but instead signed for Arambagh KS as he had made a prior commitment with them.
He scored a hat trick in his first Bangladesh Premier League match in 2012 against Sheikh Jamal DC.
In 2012, Eleta signed for Team BJMC. In 2013, he joined Muktijoddha Sangsad KC.
In 2015, he played with Chittagong Abahani in the 2015 Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup, winning the tournament and finishing as top scorer with 5 goals, and earning the man of the match award in the final, as well as Tournament Most Valuable Player.
Afterwards, he returned to Team BJMC, staying with the club through 2019.
In a 2016 Independence Cup match, he scored 5 goals in a 6-0 victory over Feni Soccer Club.
He went on a brief loan for a few days in 2019 to Bashundhara Kings.
In 2019, he returned to Arambagh KS. In 2021, he signed for the Bashundhara Kings.
On 18 May 2022, he made his AFC Cup debut against Maziya as a naturalized. In 2022, he signed for Dhaka Abahani.
Eligible for the Nigeria by birth, Kingsley obtained Bangladeshi citizenship in 2021, through naturalization, becoming the first foreign footballer to obtain a Bangladeshi passport.
He was named to the preliminary squad for the Bangladesh national team for the 2021 SAFF Championship, but was unable to represent the team due to not obtaining the clearance from FIFA in time to be eligible.
In March 2023, he was named to the provisional squad ahead of a set of friendlies.
He appeared in an unofficial friendly for Bangladesh on 15 March 2023 against Malawi.
He made his official debutant in a substitute appearance at the beginning of the 2nd half on 25 March against Seychelles.
Culled from: Wikipedia
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