Benedict Akwuegbu

Benedict Akwuegbu Biography / Profile

Benedict Akwuegbu was born on November 3rd, 1974 in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a retired professional footballer who played as a striker in France and China. He also featured for the Nigerian national team. He was nicknamed 'Austrian Bomber’ by fans in Austria.

Benedict Akwuegbu Age

Benedict Akwuegbu is 49 years old.

Benedict Akwuegbu Early Life

While growing up in Jos, Akwuegbu attended St. Murumba College. He was discovered by Youth Coach Sebastian Brodericks while playing against Air Force Secondary School. Brodericks invited him to the national U-16 team.

Benedict Akwuegbu Career

Akwuegbu started his career at the age of 15 in Nigeria for Mighty Jets of Jos before moving to French outfit RC Lens at the age of 17. Then he spent five years in Belgium with KRC Harelbeke, KSV Waregem, KVK Tiene. Austrian side Grazer AK signed him after the 1998 season. Grazer AK won the Austrian Cup and Austrian Supercup in 2002 and 2002 respectively, and the the league title in 2004 with his good performance. He won the Best Foreign Player and nicknamed "Austrian Bomber" by the press. He played in 20 European games as he scored 12 including some remarkable goals. He attracted several Bundesliga clubs like Hamburger SV and FC Kaiserslautern. However Grazer AK refused the offer from Kaiserslautern. In April 2007, Akwuegbu was signed by Qingdao Jonoon. He scored his first goal for Qingdao on 13 May 2007, an 84-minute equalizer in 3–2 lose away at Shanghai Schenhua. Qingdao Janoon boss, Yin Tiesheng spoke very high about him and his performance in the media, Akwuegbu became one of the most consistent players in the Qingdao squad. He was a vital part in Qingdao attack throughout the campaign and notched six goals in 20 games. Akwuegbu had an excellent season and was favorite of Qingdao Janoon fans. He joined Basingstoke Town in the Conference South. He scored his first goal for the Dragons against Dorchester Town on 5 April 2010. He was released at the end of the season.

Akwuegbu was selected to U-16 World Cup Final squad in 1989 hosted by Scotland. However, he never had the chance to play as sitting on the bench in all four matches without substitution. Nigeria was beaten by eventual winner Saudi Arabia at the quarter-final stage. He also played for the U-20 national side. In 1999, I was invited into the Austrian national team, but I instead chose to play for Nigeria. In 2000, his success in Austria made him joining the Africa Cup of Nations tournament which he played his first international game against Tunisia. With his progress in the team he was involved in the 2002 World Cup Qualifier and scoring his goals in the process, His performance made him selected to the 2002 World Cup Final squad. He played the only World Cup game against England.