Tigres' effort to win the 2015 Copa Libertadores and the 2015/16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League was boosted by the acquisition of Ikechukwu Uche on June 19, 2015. (Photo: UEFA.com)
SAN NICOLAS DE LOS GARZA, Mexico – Tigres announced Friday the acquisition of Nigeria international Ikechukwu Uche from Spanish La Liga side Villarreal.
The 31-year-old forward has reportedly signed a three-year contract with the three-time Mexican champion, which will contest the Copa Libertadores semifinals next month and will open play in the 2015/16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League in August.
Uche has played his entire professional career in Spain, starting in the second division with Racing Ferrol (2001-03). He moved to Recreativo Huelva, spending a productive four years, scoring nearly 50 goals and helping the club gain promotion to the first division in 2006.
Ahead of the 2007/08 campaign, Uche joined Getafe, with which he played 60 games and struck for 14 goals in two years.
A switch to Real Zaragzoza followed in 2009, but a left-knee injury kept him mostly on the sidelines.
In 2011, Uche signed with Villarreal, only to be loaned for a year to Granada. After returning to the Yellow Submarine, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champion went on to play a key role in its return to the top flight, while striking for 33 goals in 85 games over three campaigns.
He has scored 19 goals in 47 games for Nigeria.
