Sone Aluko: Ex-Super Eagles star joins Premier League club as first team coach
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Kieran McKenna and Sone Aluko || Image credit: OJB Sports

Sone Aluko: Ex-Super Eagles star joins Premier League club as first team coach

Faruq Ibrahim 23:24 - 08.07.2024

Sone Aluko becomes a coach months after retiring from football.

Former Super Eagles striker Omatsone Folarin Aluko has taken up a coaching role with Premier League side Ipswich United after calling time on his playing career last season. 

Aluko retires on a high note 

Aluko, 35, registered seven caps for the Nigerian national team between 2009 and 2015 after switching allegiance from England. He made his debut in a friendly against Ireland under Shuaib Amodu. 

He went on to play six more games for the Super Eagles, most of which came in the 2014 AFCON qualifiers. His only two goals for the Super Eagles came in a 2-2 draw against South Africa.

He enjoyed a long career in British club football, playing for the likes of Birmingham City, Aberdeen, Blackpool, Rangers, Hull City, Fulham, Reading and Ipswich. 

Sone Aluko during a match for Ipswich Town. (Photo Credit: Imago)
Sone Aluko during a match for Ipswich Town. (Photo Credit: Imago)

The Hounslow-born forward was on the books of the Tractor Boys last season, as he has been since 2012. Although his involvement on the pitch was limited, he was a leader in the dressing room as Kieran McKenna’s side successfully gained promotion to the Premier League. 

Aluko given coaching job 

Despite retiring at the end of the previous campaign, Aluko will continue his association with the club, as he has been given a first-team coaching role. 

According to a report from Ojora Babatunde, Aluko will join McKenna's backroom staff effective immediately and will now offer his wealth of experience as a coach. Also, it could start a journey towards being a top-flight first-team head coach.

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