Nadjim Abdou
Encyclopedia
Nadjim Abdou is a footballer who plays for Millwall
as a midfielder
, having previously played for Martigues
, Sedan
and Plymouth Argyle
. He has represented Comoros
at international level.
in 2002, before joining Sedan
in 2003, where, after three seasons in Ligue 2
, he played one season in Ligue 1
in 2006-07. Sedan finished in 19th place and were relegated.
club Plymouth Argyle
signing on a free transfer on 20 August until the end of the 2007-08 season
. He made his first league appearance on 25 August as a 62nd minute substitute in a 3–2 defeat at Barnsley
. He scored his first goal in English football against Scunthorpe United
in a 3–0 win at Home Park
on 1 December 2007. After contract discussions in April 2008, Abdou left Plymouth in June 2008 after turning down the club's contract offer and signed for Millwall
on 3 July 2008.
. In spite of one or two short term injuries, Abdou has been successful at Millwall, holding down a regular first team slot in central midfield when fit. He has become well known for his determination and high workrate. 'Jimmy', as he is affectionately known by Millwall fans, is regarded highly and is fast becoming a fans favourite at the Den.
Abdou scored the winning goal in the League One Playoff Semi Finals against Leeds United
at Elland Road on 14 May 2009 to send them to Wembley for their first ever playoff final, which they lost 3–2 to Scunthorpe United. After missing out on promotion during the 2008-09 season, Abdou helped play a big part in earning Millwall promotion the following season. He scored in Millwall's first game of the season against Southampton, with a bullet header, it turned out to be his only goal of the season. Millwall were eventually promoted after beating Swindon Town in the playoff final.
for a Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique
on 9 October 2010. He played the full match, which Comoros lost 1–0 after conceding a goal in stoppage time.
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...
as a midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
, having previously played for Martigues
FC Martigues
FC Martigues play in the Championnat National, which is the third level of football in France. The club was formed in 1921 and played regional football until the early 1970s when the club gained promotion to the professional Second Division.The club's greatest achievement was winning promotion to...
, Sedan
CS Sedan Ardennes
Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes, commonly referred to as CS Sedan or simply Sedan , is a French association football club based in Sedan. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Sedan plays its home matches at the Stade Louis Dugauguez located...
and Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
. He has represented Comoros
Comoros national football team
The Comoros national football team is the national football team of Comoros, which is controlled by the Fédération Comorienne de Football. It was formed in 1979, joined the Confederation of African Football in 2003, and became a FIFA member in 2005....
at international level.
Career
Abdou started out with his home-town club MartiguesFC Martigues
FC Martigues play in the Championnat National, which is the third level of football in France. The club was formed in 1921 and played regional football until the early 1970s when the club gained promotion to the professional Second Division.The club's greatest achievement was winning promotion to...
in 2002, before joining Sedan
CS Sedan Ardennes
Club Sportif Sedan Ardennes, commonly referred to as CS Sedan or simply Sedan , is a French association football club based in Sedan. The club was formed in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 2, the second level of French football. Sedan plays its home matches at the Stade Louis Dugauguez located...
in 2003, where, after three seasons in Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
, he played one season in Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
in 2006-07. Sedan finished in 19th place and were relegated.
Plymouth Argyle
After a trial in the summer of 2007, Abdou joined English Football League ChampionshipFootball 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...
club Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
signing on a free transfer on 20 August until the end of the 2007-08 season
2007-08 in English football
The 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...
. He made his first league appearance on 25 August as a 62nd minute substitute in a 3–2 defeat at Barnsley
Barnsley F.C.
Barnsley Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Nicknamed the Tykes, they were founded in 1887 under the name Barnsley St. Peter's...
. He scored his first goal in English football against Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
in a 3–0 win at Home Park
Home Park
Home Park is an all-seater football stadium in the Central Park area of Plymouth, England, and is the home of Football League Two club Plymouth Argyle. The ground, given the nickname the Theatre of Greens by the club's supporters, has been Argyle's permanent residence since 1901...
on 1 December 2007. After contract discussions in April 2008, Abdou left Plymouth in June 2008 after turning down the club's contract offer and signed for 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 3 July 2008.
Millwall
Abdou's signature has turned out to be something of a coup for manager Kenny JackettKenny Jackett
Kenny Jackett is a former Wales international football player, who has since moved into management. He is the current manager of Millwall, the longest serving manager in the Football League Championship and eleventh longest serving manager in England.A skilful player, equally at home in defence or...
. In spite of one or two short term injuries, Abdou has been successful at Millwall, holding down a regular first team slot in central midfield when fit. He has become well known for his determination and high workrate. 'Jimmy', as he is affectionately known by Millwall fans, is regarded highly and is fast becoming a fans favourite at the Den.
Abdou scored the winning goal in the League One Playoff Semi Finals against Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
at Elland Road on 14 May 2009 to send them to Wembley for their first ever playoff final, which they lost 3–2 to Scunthorpe United. After missing out on promotion during the 2008-09 season, Abdou helped play a big part in earning Millwall promotion the following season. He scored in Millwall's first game of the season against Southampton, with a bullet header, it turned out to be his only goal of the season. Millwall were eventually promoted after beating Swindon Town in the playoff final.
International career
Abdou earned his first call up to the Comoros national football teamComoros national football team
The Comoros national football team is the national football team of Comoros, which is controlled by the Fédération Comorienne de Football. It was formed in 1979, joined the Confederation of African Football in 2003, and became a FIFA member in 2005....
for a Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique
Mozambique national football team
The Mozambique national football team , popularly known as Os Mambas, represents Mozambique in association football and is controlled by the Federação Moçambicana de Futebol, the governing body for football in Mozambique...
on 9 October 2010. He played the full match, which Comoros lost 1–0 after conceding a goal in stoppage time.
External links
- Millwall FC official player page
- Nadjim Abdou at L'ÉquipeL'ÉquipeL'Équipe is a French nationwide daily newspaper devoted to sports, owned by Éditions Philippe Amaury. The paper is noted for coverage of football , rugby, motorsports and cycling...