Blessing Eleke (born 5 March 1996) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Maltese Premier League club Hamrun Spartans. He previously played for Gorica, Olimpija Ljubljana, Ashdod, Luzern, Beerschot, Gençlerbirligi, Kashima Antlers, Istiklol, Partizani Tirana and Kazincbarcika.
Professional career Early life and career Eleke grew up in Lagos with his three brothers and four sisters. He started playing football at Flying Sports Academy in his home country, before having an unsuccessful trial at Serie A club Sassuolo. Later on, he admitted that the transition from Nigeria to Europe was a difficult task to handle at the beginning.
Slovenia Eleke signed for Olimpija Ljubljana in January 2016 for a reported fee of €750,000. On 10 April 2016, in a league fixture versus Zavrč, Olimpija's manager Nikolić reportedly called Eleke a "black idiot", for elaborately celebrating an injury-time equalizer in an eventual 1–1 draw. Nikolić's contract was eventually terminated by mutual consent on 18 April 2016., although Eleke asked club president Milan Mandarić not to sack the manager. Eleke revealed that, although he considered leaving the club, he did not want to see his coach sacked, as he did not believe in eye for an eye.
Israel and Switzerland In August 2017, Eleke transferred to Israeli Premier League club Ashdod for a reported fee of €800,000. On 27 July 2018, Eleke signed a four-year contract with Swiss Super League club FC Luzern for a reported fee of approximately 1 million Swiss francs. After being cleared to play for Luzern, he managed to score on his debut, helping his club get past Lugano 4–2.
Gençlerbirligi SK On 1 September 2021, Eleke was loaned out to Turkish club Gençlerbirligi SK for the rest of the season.
Kashima Antlers On 1 August 2022, Kashima Antlers confirmed an agreement with K Beerschot VA for him to join on a complete transfer, becoming one of the few Nigerian footballers to play in Japan. Eleke only made 6 appearances for the club over two seasons and was released from the club when his contract expired at the end of the 2023 season.
Istiklol On 21 March 2024, Tajikistan Higher League club Istiklol announced the signing of Eleke to a one-year contract. On 20 April, Eleke scored a Hattrick for Istiklol in their 6-0 victory over Kuktosh Rudaki in the Tajikistan Higher League.
Partizani Tirana On 23 January 2025, Partizani Tirana announced the signing of Eleke.
Kazincbarcika On 10 September 2025, Nemzeti Bajnokság I club Kazincbarcikai SC announced the signing of Eleke. On 18 November 2025, Kazincbarcikai announced that Eleke had left the club.
Hamrun Spartans On 4 February 2026, Maltese Premier League club Hamrun Spartans announced the signing of Eleke.
Career statistics Club
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupContinentalOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsGorica2014–15Slovenian PrvaLiga17300--201932015–16191210---2012Total361510----203915Olimpija Ljubljana2015–16Slovenian PrvaLiga12300---1232016–1730551-22-3772017–183200-20-52Total451051--42--5412Ashdod2017–18Israeli Premier League2744200--316Luzern2018–19Swiss Super League321342-20-38152019–2026421-40-325Total581763--60--7020Beerschot2020–21Belgian Pro League20110---2112021–222000---20Total22110------231Gençlerbirliği (loan)2021–22TFF First League24700---247Kashima Antlers2022J1 League4100---4120232000---20Total6100------61Istiklol20242024 FC Istiklol seasonTajikistan Higher League10600-0011117Partizani Tirana2024–25Kategoria Superiore10320---123Kazincbarcika2025–26Nemzeti Bajnokság I6022---82Hamrun Spartans2025–26Maltese Premier League12310--10143Career total25667228001024129278
Honours Olimpija Ljubljana PrvaLiga: 2015–16
Istiklol Tajik Supercup: 2024
References
External links