Nigeria’s Victor Anichebe Joins Beijing Enterprises: The Club Where Ivorian Midfielder Cheick Tiote Died

Nigeria’s Super Eagle star Victor Anichebe has joined Chinese second-tier side Beijing Enterprises Group FC.

The former Sunderland striker who was released by the club following their relegation from the Premier League will be playing outside England for the first time in his career.

The 29-year-old had previously played for West Bromwich Albion and Everton before his brief spell at the Stadium of Light which was blighted by knee and hamstring injuries.

He joined the Black Cats on a short-term contract as a free agent in September, managing just three goals in 19 appearances. He scored 35 goals for Everton and West Brom in 228 appearances.

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Victor Anichebe, who moved to Liverpool from Nigeria at the age of one, opted to represent his country of birth although eligible to represent England.

He played his first game for Nigeria in March 2008 and scored on his debut in a 2-0 win over South Africa. He helped Nigeria reach the 2008 Olympics and was then part of the squad that went on to win silver in Beijing.

The big striker has, however, put his international career with the Super Eagles on hold after suffering a groin problem on his last appearance; a 2-0 win over Madagascar in 2011.

Victor Anichebe is expected to make his debut for the Beijing outfit once he regains match fitness. Beijing Enterprises Group FC club manager Gao Hongbo spoke about his new signing at a press conference saying:

“We are delighted with the signing of Victor, who played in the Premier League.”

“It’s a positive development for our whole club.”

“Victor hasn’t trained on the pitch since the Premier League season ended, so it may take a while for him to integrate into our team. We have to be patient.”

The switch to Beijing Enterprises has raised eyebrows among a few people on Social Media who have pointed out that Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote died at the club’s training ground due to their lack of medical facilities.