Emmanuel Uchenna joins Sparta

„I am very happy that we can welcome Emmanuel to Sparta. There was a lot of interest from other clubs, but he chose us because he sees the best potential for his further development in our club. He is a young, talented player with excellent potential for further growth. He has the attributes we look for in a centre-back,“ says sporting director of AC Sparta Praha Tomáš Rosický.

"Going to Sparta is the best possible decision for me, I have no doubts at all. As soon as my agent told me about the interest of the club, I didn't hesitate," said our new signing, "I always try to do my best and help the team. My faith and believe in Jesus Christ also keep me moving. God is good."

Emmanuel was born on 4^th December 2003 in Nigeria. He is the second player from this country in our A-team squad, next to striker Victor Olatunji. He finished his youth career in Africa with Ikorodu City FC, a team based in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city. From there, he headed to Baník at the beginning of spring 2023.

At first, Baník sent him on two loan spells to the Czech third league. After his stint in Vítkovice, he also appeared in Hlučín's shirt, which he helped to a mid-table position. In the winter break of the 2023/24 season, Baník recalled him to their reserve team, for which he scored his first goal in Czechia against Hlučín.

As a centre-back, he was part of a 14-match winning streak of the Baník’s B-team, which culminated in promotion to the Czech National Football League (second professional division). At the end of the season, he also looked at the bench of the A-team during the match against Slovácko.

Uchenna entered this season as a member of Baník's first league line-up. He made his Chance Liga debut at home, and helped his team keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Jablonec. His debut goal followed soon after – at the beginning of August, he scored the decisive goal in a close victory over Hradec Králové.

Step by step he became a regular member of Baník's defensive trio. He also added an assist on Ewerton's goal against Dukla. Now he becomes a player of the most successful club in Czechia.