English Football League (EFL) Championship side Blackburn Rovers FC, have made contact with Nigerian outfit Rivers United over the possible signing of winger Aniekeme Okon, Footy-Africa sources have exclusively learned.
Blackburn Rovers scouted the 26-year-old in the second part of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League. The English side intend to sanction his purchase in the ongoing transfer window, should the negotiations with Rivers United yield good results.
A source close to Rivers United has exclusively confirmed to Footy-Africa that Blackburn inquired about their star player, and serious negotiations commenced this week. His contract at Rivers United is on until the end of next season in June 2026.
“There were inquiries from Blackburn on Monday about the contract situation of Aniekeme (Okon), and they are ready to advance with negotiations throughout the week. Rivers are ready to approve the move as long as Wigan reach their valuation of the player. Aniekeme is keen on the move, as ut will he his first in Europe,” the source told Footy-Africa in an exclusive interview.
The workaholic winger, played 31 games for Rivers United in the 2024/25 season, scoring five time and assisting on six occasions. In the 2023/24 campaign at Remo Stars, he managed 25 appearances, chipping in with three goals and seven assists.
In the past, Okon played for Akwa United and Kano Pillars, making 32 and 31 appearances, respectively, across all competitions. At Akwa, he netted 10 goals, while he managed six at Kano Pillars in the 2021/22 season.
Meanwhile, at the international stage, the 26-year-old has been through the Nigerian youth-level setup, featuring for the U18s, U20s and the U23 team. He has yet to receive a competitive cap for the senior team the Super Eagles, but is in the CHAN squad.
