Tranmere Rovers welcome son of its first ever black player Elkanah Onyeali to Prenton Park

MERSEYSIDE giants Tranmere Rivers have welcomed Obidinma Onyeali the son of one of its first ever Nigerian Elkanah to Prenton Park as part of a partnership programme aimed at helping young black footballers.

Tranmere Rovers, the proverbial third voice on Merseyside behind Liverpool and Everton, signed Nigerian Elkanah Onyeali in 1960. 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.

Last week, his son Obidinma visited Prenton Park from Nigeria, revealing how much it meant to his family to visit the club. Obidinma said that it was the last wish of his father to be celebrated by Tranmere Rovers and he was delighted to hear from the club back in October regarding the partnership.

Back in October during Black History Month, Tranmere Rovers In the Community partnered with the Elkanah Onyeali Care Foundation, set up by Obidinma in his father’s name, which helps young Nigerian players have a career in football. After the two sides communicated, Obidinma agreed to visit the club.

He visited for a stadium tour of Prenton Park last Friday before being welcomed to the Newport County match on Saturday. At the game, he spoke to supporters and guests in the lounges before the game and assisted with the half-time draw pitchside.

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."