Christian Ebere: Ex-Golden Eaglets star set to become first African player in Argentina’s Club Gimnasia

Osinachi Christian Ebere is set to join Argentina’s Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, following a request by manager Marcelo Méndez Russo, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian striker will arrive on loan from Uruguay, marking his second stint in Argentina.

According to Editor Platense, Ebere will join Gimnasia until December 2025, with an option to buy 70% of his transfer rights for $1.5 million.

Born in 1998, Ebere started playing football at age four at Taye Football Club in Imo State.

Encouraged by his uncle, he pursued football despite his mother’s initial disapproval. His first move was to Belgium with STVV Sint-Truiden, but it was brief. He then moved to South America, specifically Argentina.

Ebere has shown great perseverance, playing for several clubs in the South American region. The 26-year-old even had a stint at Rosario Central, though he didn’t debut in the Argentine top division due to language barriers and an injury.

Ebere will be the fourth Nigerian to play in Argentine football, following Orode, Afolabi, and Asagidigbi.

Ebere stands at 1.79 meters tall and was part of Nigeria’s U-17 team that won the World Cup in 2015 alongside Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.

He scored 19 goals in 53 matches for Plaza Colonia and three in 19 matches for Nacional in 2024. In Brazil, he played for Paraná Clube, Pouso Alegre, Club Metropolitano, Maringá, and Vila Nova Futebol. He also participated in the Libertadores with Nacional.

Ebere is set to become the first African player in Gimnasia’s history.

While Gimnasia has had foreign players from Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico, Ebere will be their first player from Africa.