Sadness as silky left-footed Super Eagles number 10 announces retirement

Published on by Andrew Randa

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sone Aluko has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35 as his club Ipswich gained promotion to the Premier League.

Aluko's final season wasn't packed with starting appearances, but he's bowing out on a high note – contracted to Ipswich Town as they have gained promotion to the Premier League after 22 years.

Ipswich Town v West Ham United – Pre-Season Friendly – Portman Road
– Photo by Icon sport

While his time with the Tractor Boys was limited to just a single league appearance (a two-minute cameo!), Aluko did see some action in cup competitions, featuring six times in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.

This retirement marks the end of a career that began in 2007 with Birmingham City. Aluko's journey took him to various clubs, but a defining moment came in 2013 when he was part of the Hull City squad that clinched promotion to the Premier League.

That success story continued the following year as Aluko was also part of the Hull team that reached the FA Cup final in 2014.

Despite not playing a starring role in his final season, Aluko holds a special place in his heart for Ipswich Town.

Speaking at the club's end-of-season dinner, the forward couldn't hide his emotions: “Honestly, I couldn't imagine a better place to end it all.

“This club, from the top to the bottom, is just amazing. Being here has been a true privilege.” Aluko acknowledged his limited playing time but insisted that this past year was the best of his career.

The camaraderie and the atmosphere at Ipswich clearly left a lasting impression. He toasted his teammates with a final, light-hearted jab.”

Sone Aluko
Photo by Icon Sport

“To all the lads, I've grown to love each and every one of you – even you, Harry Clarke.” he said.

Aluko has also played for Aberdeen, Rangers, Blackpool, Birmingham, Fulham, Reading, and Chinese club Beijing Chengfeng.

Aluko’s Super Eagles career

Sone Aluko, after representing England at U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-19 levels, switched allegiance to Nigeria and was soon capped by Nigeria’s U-20 side – the Flying Eagles.

He was part of Samson Siasia’s U-20 side to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009, alongside the likes of Odion Igahlo, Obiorah Nwankwo, King Osanga, and Nurudeen Orelesi.

The midfielder, who can also play as a winger, then made his full debut for Nigeria in 2009 in an international friendly against the Republic of Ireland in a 1-1 draw. Aluko in total made seven appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring two goals and providing an assist.

Though he did not get many caps for the Super Eagles, Nigerian fans will remember him for his brace that saved Nigeria’s blushes in a 2-2 draw against South Africa in the 2014 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo.

What next for Sone Aluko?

Sone Aluko / Lee Cattermole
Photo by Icon Sport
The 35-year-old still intends to remain in football and was already doing back-room work with Ipswich whenever he is not in the match-day squad as an analyst.
It is likely he continues in that role either at Ipswich or some of the clubs he has worked with in the past.
Aluko has also done a bit of punditry work in the past like his sister Eni, so that might not be far from a venture he will likely pursue.
Sadness as silky left-footed Super Eagles number 10 announces retirement

Andrew Randa

Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.

Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)