Jonathan Obika
Encyclopedia
Jonathan Chiedozie Obika (born 12 September 1990) is an English
footballer who plays for Yeovil Town
on loan from Tottenham Hotspur
, as a striker.
, London
, Obika is a product of the Tottenham Hotspur
youth system and was the top scorer for the academy side in the 2007–08 season. He made his first team debut in the UEFA Cup
on 27 November 2008 against NEC Nijmegen. He also played against Ukrainian side FC Shakhtar Donetsk
in the same competition. He signed a more secure contract with the club in January 2009.
On 19 March 2009 he signed with League One
team Yeovil Town
on a month's loan. His loan was extended until the end of the 2008–09
season in April. In his two month loan spell he played 10 games scoring 4 goals.
Obika returned to Yeovil on a three-month loan on 11 August 2009. He scored in his third game of the 2009–10
season against Leyton Orient
. He scored again on 1 September against Bournemouth
in the Football League Trophy
, coming on as a substitute at half time. Along with fellow Tottenham loanees Steven Caulker
and Ryan Mason
, his loan was extended until the end of the season on 5 November.
On 11 February, Obika was sent back to Spurs due to the return to Yeovil of Arron Davies
and was then immediately sent on loan to fellow League One side Millwall
. On 13 April, Obika scored an injury time equaliser for Millwall against Yeovil and despite what it meant to Millwall's promotion push, he didn't celebrate as a mark of respect for his old club.
On 20 August, Obika returned to south London to join Crystal Palace
on a season-long loan deal. However this was cut short in early January after a series of disappointing performances, and he went on loan to Peterborough United
instead.
He then joined Swindon Town
a few weeks later until the end of the season but was recalled after lack of opportunities at Swindon. Obika then subsequently rejoined Yeovil until the end of the season, his third club of the 2010-11 season, and made 11 appearances scoring 3 goals.
Obika then rejoined Yeovil on loan at the start of the 2011-12 season until January 2012.
in the Under 20 World Cup tournament
hosted in Egypt
from 24 September – 16 October 2009. Obika featured in the first two games against Ghana
and Uruguay
.
and attended The Bishop Stopford's School in Enfield. He is the cousin of singer and former Fame Academy
contestant, Lemar
.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
footballer who plays for Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
on loan from Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
, as a striker.
Career
Born in EnfieldLondon Borough of Enfield
The London Borough of Enfield is the most northerly London borough and forms part of Outer London. It borders the London Boroughs of Barnet, Haringey and Waltham Forest...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Obika is a product of the Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
youth system and was the top scorer for the academy side in the 2007–08 season. He made his first team debut in the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
on 27 November 2008 against NEC Nijmegen. He also played against Ukrainian side FC Shakhtar Donetsk
FC Shakhtar Donetsk
FC Shakhtar Donetsk is a Ukrainian professional football club from the city of Donetsk. Shakhtar has appeared in several European competitions and currently is often a participant of the UEFA Champions League. The club became the first Ukrainian club to win the UEFA Cup in 2009, the last year...
in the same competition. He signed a more secure contract with the club in January 2009.
On 19 March 2009 he signed with League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
team Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
on a month's loan. His loan was extended until the end of the 2008–09
2008–09 in English football
The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...
season in April. In his two month loan spell he played 10 games scoring 4 goals.
Obika returned to Yeovil on a three-month loan on 11 August 2009. He scored in his third game of the 2009–10
2009–10 in English football
The 2009–10 season was the 130th season of competitive football in England.The season began on 8 August 2009 for the Championship, League One and League Two and 15 August 2009 for the Premier League...
season against Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient F.C.
Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63...
. He scored again on 1 September against Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899....
in the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
, coming on as a substitute at half time. Along with fellow Tottenham loanees Steven Caulker
Steven Caulker
Steven Roy Caulker is an English under-21 international footballer who plays as a centre back for Premier League club Swansea City on loan from Tottenham Hotspur....
and Ryan Mason
Ryan Mason
Ryan Glen Mason is an English footballer who plays as an Forward and Attacking Midfielder and for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, and is a former England U19 and England U20 player.-Career:...
, his loan was extended until the end of the season on 5 November.
On 11 February, Obika was sent back to Spurs due to the return to Yeovil of Arron Davies
Arron Davies
Arron Rhys Davies is a Welsh international footballer who currently plays for Northampton Town.-Southampton:Davies was brought up in Llantwit Major, where he attended Llantwit Major Comprehensive School....
and was then immediately sent on loan to fellow League One side Millwall
Millwall F.C.
Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
. On 13 April, Obika scored an injury time equaliser for Millwall against Yeovil and despite what it meant to Millwall's promotion push, he didn't celebrate as a mark of respect for his old club.
On 20 August, Obika returned to south London to join Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
on a season-long loan deal. However this was cut short in early January after a series of disappointing performances, and he went on loan to Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
instead.
He then joined Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
a few weeks later until the end of the season but was recalled after lack of opportunities at Swindon. Obika then subsequently rejoined Yeovil until the end of the season, his third club of the 2010-11 season, and made 11 appearances scoring 3 goals.
Obika then rejoined Yeovil on loan at the start of the 2011-12 season until January 2012.
International career
Obika was called up to represent EnglandEngland national under-20 football team
- Round of 16 :-Friendlies:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup running from 29 July to the 20 August 2011.-Recent call-ups:...
in the Under 20 World Cup tournament
2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, was the 17th U-20 tournament, which was hosted by Egypt from 24 September to 16 October, in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Suez and Ismaïlia...
hosted in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
from 24 September – 16 October 2009. Obika featured in the first two games against Ghana
Ghana national under-20 football team
Ghana national U-20 football team known as the Black Satellites, the current FIFA U-20 World Cup Champions and African Youth Champions, have been a three-time African Champion in 1995, 1999, 2009 and a two-time Runner-up at the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1993 and 2001...
and Uruguay
Uruguay national under-20 football team
Uruguay national under-20 football team represents Uruguay in international football competitions such as FIFA U-20 World Cup and the South American Youth Championship.-FIFA U-20 World Cup:Iturbe | goals2 = Polenta...
.
Personal life
Obika grew up in EdmontonEdmonton, London
Edmonton is an area in the east of the London Borough of Enfield, England, north-north-east of Charing Cross. It has a long history as a settlement distinct from Enfield.-Location:...
and attended The Bishop Stopford's School in Enfield. He is the cousin of singer and former Fame Academy
Fame Academy 1
The first series of Fame Academy, a BBC reality talent search, was first broadcast in the UK over ten weeks in October - December 2002. It was won by David Sneddon...
contestant, Lemar
Lemar
Lemar Obika , professionally known simply as Lemar, is an English recording artist. Obika has had a run of chart success in the UK, Europe and Australia...
.
Career statistics
| Season | Club | League | League | FA Cup FA Cup The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's... |
League Cup Football League Cup The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis... |
Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| 2008–09 | Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... |
Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Yeovil Town Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... |
Football League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 | |
| 2009–10 | Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... |
Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Yeovil Town Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... |
Football League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
22 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 25 | 7 | |
| Millwall Millwall F.C. Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the... |
12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 | ||
| 2010–11 | Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... |
Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C. Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in... |
Football League Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
| Peterborough United Peterborough United F.C. Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is... |
Football League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
| Swindon Town Swindon Town F.C. Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011... |
5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
| Yeovil Town Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... |
11 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | ||
| 2011–12 | Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane.... |
Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Yeovil Town Yeovil Town F.C. Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05... |
Football League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... |
5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| Career totals | 73 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 81 | 17 | ||
External links
- Jonathan Obika profile at the Tottenham Hotspur website