Tranmere Rovers in the Community are delighted to mark Black History Month by partnering with Elkanah Onyeali Care Foundation to celebrate the first black player in Tranmere Rovers’ history, Elkanah Onyeali.
Elkanah was one of the first Nigerians to play professional football in Britain, and scored nine goals in his 16 appearances for Rovers after joining in 1960.
Elkanah died in 2008, aged 70, and the Elkanah Onyeali Care Foundation was established in his memory to run an academy to help young Nigerian players have a career in football.
TRIC will be sending Rovers shirts to Nigeria for the academy to wear, as well as welcoming members of the foundation to Prenton Park for a Tranmere home game.
Elkanah’s son, Obidinma, told us it was the last wish of his father to be celebrated by Tranmere Rovers, and is delighted that his wish will now be honoured.
“In a bid to immortalise our father, hero and legend, late Elkanah Onyeali, we started a foundation and football academy some years back for youth development grassroots sports.
“It is of utmost importance to us to collaborate with you to make the last wish of Elkanah come to fruition.”
Further coverage of our partnership with Elkanah Onyeali Care Foundation will follow, including coverage of the academy with their Tranmere Rovers shirts and details of their visit to Prenton Park.