The son of Tranmere Rovers’ first black player, Elkanah Onyeali, today visited Prenton Park from Nigeria for a stadium tour ahead of his visit for tomorrow’s match at Prenton Park against Newport County.
Back in October during Black History Month, Tranmere Rovers In the Community partnered with the Elkanah Onyeali Care Foundation, set up by Obidinma Onyeali in his father’s name, which helps young Nigerian players have a career in football.
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.
Obidinma said that it was the last wish of his father to be celebrated by Tranmere Rovers, and was delighted to hear from us back in October regarding the partnership.
We sent Rovers shirts over to Nigeria for the winners of the foundation’s annual football tournament, and are delighted to welcome the foundation’s president and Elkanah’s son to Prenton Park for tomorrow’s game all the way from Nigeria.
Elkanah faced Newport County in one of his 16 Rovers games during the 1960-61 season, so Obidinma is happy to be able to attend the same fixture his father played in.
Obidinma said: “I'm so excited and emotional. It's a historic moment for me and my family.
"My father would be so proud. He never stopped talking about Tranmere Rovers and his teammates."
Keep an eye out on our YouTube channel for the full interview with Obidinma Onyeali in the coming days.
You can still buy tickets for tomorrow's game at home to Newport County by clicking here.