Aston Villa sign son of ex-Nigerian international Shakpoke

Ruben, the son of former Nigerian international Jero Shakpoke, has signed a professional contract with Aston Villa.

“Ruben Shakpoke has signed a professional deal with the Club,” the Premier League club announced in a statement on its website.

The young forward, 17, is a recent addition to the Academy having joined Aston Villa from Norwich City in October.

Shakpoke’s start to life at the club has been slowed by injury but Academy manager Mark Harrison is confident that Villa will see the best of him.

“We are delighted Ruben has signed his first professional contract with us,” Harrison said.

“His game time has been hampered by injury but once he his back fully fit we look forward to him fulfilling his potential, which is very clear to see.”

Jero, Ruben’s father, made six appearances as a defender for the Super Eagles of Nigeria between 1998 and 1999.

Jero Shakpoke was born in Warri, Nigeria. He retired at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgian club in 2011.

The former Super Eagles defender played for Nigeria’s Port Harcourt Sharks, AC Reggiana, FC Vardar, HNK Rijeka, Zaglebie, Lubin, Bologna FC 1909, AC Reggiana, FC Lugano, OGC Nice, US Città di Palermo, AC Reggiana, Teramo Calcio, Rovigo Calcio, AS Varese 1910, Sienna and Union Saint-Gilloise during his 17-year career in football.