Eleta Kingsley

Eleta Kingsley Oshiokha (born 29 October 1989) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bashundhara Kings in the Bangladesh Football Premier League. Born in Nigeria, in 2021 Eleta obtained Bangladeshi citizenship through naturalization.

Eleta Kingsley
Personal information
Full name Eleta Kingsley Oshiokha
Date of birth (1989-10-29) 29 October 1989
Place of birth Ogbona, Nigeria
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Forward
Club information
Current team
 Bashundhara Kings
Number 20
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2005 Gabros International FC
2005–2006 Dolphin FC
2006–2007 Kwara United
2007–2008 Gateway United
2008–2009 Gabros International FC
2009–2011 Akwa United 10 (9)
2011–2012 Arambagh KS 11 (8)
2012–2013 Team BJMC 8 (4)
2013–2014 Muktijoddha Sangsad KC 6 (5)
2015 Chittagong Abahani 0 (0)
2015–2019 Team BJMC 29 (25)
2019 → Bashundhara Kings (loan) 0 (0)
2019–2020 Arambagh KS 5 (6)
2021– Bashundhara Kings 11 (6)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20 September 2021

Club career

Eleta started his football career at an early age, enrolling in Nigerian academies.[1] He began his senior career with Nigeria club Gabros International FC.[2][3] Afterwards, he played for Dolphin FC.[4] From 2009 to 2011, he played for Nigerian club Akwa United F.C.[5]

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.[1] 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.[1] He scored a hat trick in his first Bangladesh Premier League match in 2012 against Sheikh Jamal DC.[6]

In 2012, Eleta signed for Team BJMC.[7]

In 2013, he joined Muktijoddha Sangsad KC.[7]

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.[8][9]

Afterwards, he returned to Team BJMC, staying with the club through 2019.[7] In a 2016 Independence Cup match, he scored 5 goals in a 6-0 victory over Feni Soccer Club.[10] He went on a brief loan for a few days in 2019 to Bashundhara Kings.[11]

In 2019, he returned to Arambagh KS.[7]

In 2021, he signed for the Bashundhara Kings.[12]

International career

Eligible for the Nigeria by birth, Kingsley obtained Bangladeshi citizenship in 2021, through naturalization,[13][14] becoming the first foreign footballer to obtain a Bangladeshi passport.[15] 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.[16]

Personal life

Born in Nigeria, Eleta lives in Bashundhara Residential Area with Bangladeshi wife Liza, whom he married in May 2012. The couple has a daughter named Safira.[17] He applied for Bangladeshi citizenship in 2014, with it being granted in 2021.[18]

Honours

Club
Chittagong Abahani

Individual

References
  1. Ahmed, Syed Faiz (20 September 2021). "Eleta Kingsley: The saga of confidence, harmony and love of a Bangladeshi family man". Dhaka Tribune.
  2. "African leagues round-up: 12-13 Feb". BBC Sport. 14 February 2005.
  3. Batalha, José; Schöggl, Hans (27 September 2018). "Nigeria 2004". RSSSF.
  4. "Nigeria: Glo League: Ocean Boys Cry Foul". All Africa. 2 May 2006.
  5. Banerjee, Ritabrata (14 September 2021). "Bangladesh set to feature Nigeria-born forward Eleta Kingsley in SAFF Championship 2021". Goal.
  6. Bakul, Wahid Ullah (27 August 2020). "Kingsley in love with Bangladesh". New Age.
  7. "Profil Eleta Kingsley, Striker Naturalisasi Bangladesh Calon Lawan Indonesia" [Profile of Eleta Kingsley, Bangladesh Naturalization Striker Candidate Against Indonesia]. kumparanBOLA (in Indonesian). 7 January 2022.
  8. "Ctg Abahani clinch Sheikh Kamal Int'l Club Cup title". The Daily Star. 30 October 2015.
  9. Islam, Rakibul (26 June 2021). "মাঠে নেমেই বাংলাদেশি কিংসলের গোল" [Bangladeshi Kingsley's goal on the field]. Offside Bangladesh (in Bengali).
  10. "BJMC ride on Kingsley treble". The Independent (Bangladesh). 19 April 2016.
  11. "Eleta Kingsley awarded Bangladesh citizenship". The Daily Observer. 16 March 2021.
  12. "Kingsley's BPL fate hangs in balance". The Daily Star. 24 April 2021.
  13. Pranto, Tanvir Ahmed (20 March 2021). "Eleta Kingsley: The journey towards becoming Bangladeshi against all odds". The Business Standard.
  14. "Eleta Kingsley awarded Bangladesh citizenship". The Daily Observer. 16 March 2021.
  15. "Kingsley shines in Kings' win". New Age. 26 June 2021.
  16. "Eleta to miss Saff Championship, wait grows for Bangladesh debut". Dhaka Tribune. 27 September 2021.
  17. Bakul, Wahid Ullah (27 August 2020). "Kingsley in love with Bangladesh". New Age.
  18. "Nigerian Striker Eleta Kingsley gets Bangladeshi citizenship". Sport News Bangladesh. 15 March 2021.
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