Elijah Gift, the tri-national forward making waves at Spanish club Athletic Bilbao, is quickly emerging as one of Nigeria’s most promising young talents in European football. The 19-year-old, born in Corella, Spain, joined Athletic Bilbao from Liverpool’s academy in the summer of 2023 for a transfer fee of one million euros. His performances for the club’s reserve team have drawn increasing attention, marking him as a player with serious potential for the future.
Gift is eligible to represent three nations: Spain, where he was born, Nigeria through his father, and Cuba through his mother. However, he is currently provisionally cap-tied to Spain after making his competitive debut for the Spain U19 team in a European U19 Championship qualifier against the Faroe Islands in November 2024. This international appearance has placed him under the jurisdiction of the Spanish Football Federation for national team selection.
Despite being cap-tied to Spain, Gift’s Nigerian heritage and strong performances have kept him in the spotlight for Nigeria’s youth development programs. He has been a standout performer for Athletic Bilbao’s reserve side, which competes in the Primera Federación Group I — the third tier of Spanish football. His consistent displays have earned him recognition, including his first-ever call-up to the senior squad for a La Liga match.
On the final day of the season, Gift was named as an unused substitute in Athletic Bilbao’s 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid. He was also included on the bench for a UEFA Champions League group stage fixture against Sporting CP, showcasing his growing importance within the first-team setup. Although he is yet to make his senior debut, his presence in high-stakes matches indicates the club’s confidence in his abilities.
Beyond the senior squad, Gift has shown leadership and skill at the youth level. He captained Athletic Bilbao’s U19 side during the current season’s UEFA Youth League campaign, where he scored goals against Arsenal and Slavia Prague. He also provided an assist in a 3-2 away win over Newcastle United, further proving his versatility and impact on the pitch.
As he continues to develop under the guidance of Athletic Bilbao’s coaching staff, Elijah Gift remains a name to watch in Nigerian football circles. His journey from Liverpool’s academy to a top Spanish club highlights the growing global reach of Nigerian talent. With more opportunities likely to come, Gift could soon be a key figure in Nigeria’s future international campaigns.
Leave a Comment