Inih Effiong
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Inih Effiong
| image =
| upright =
| caption =
| full_name = Inih Othneil Effiong{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/202021/efl-squad-numbering-11.09.2020.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Stevenage |publisher=English Football League |page=66 |accessdate=26 September 2020}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|3|2|df=y}}
| birth_place = Brent, England
| height = 1.93 m
| position = Forward
| currentclub = Woking
| clubnumber = 12
| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2008
| youthclubs1 = St Albans City
| years1 = 2008–2009
| clubs1 = St Albans City
| caps1 = 6
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2008
| clubs2 = → Northwood (loan)
| caps2 = 1
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2009–2010
| clubs3 = Boreham Wood
| caps3 = 15
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2010–2011
| clubs4 = St Albans City
| caps4 = 37
| goals4 = 13
| years5 = 2011–2012
| clubs5 = Boreham Wood
| caps5 = 33
| goals5 = 7
| years6 = 2011–2012
| clubs6 = → Hitchin Town (loan)
| caps6 = 15
| goals6 = 3
| years7 = 2012
| clubs7 = → Chesham United (loan)
| caps7 = 7
| goals7 = 7
| years8 = 2012–2014
| clubs8 = Chesham United
| caps8 = 66
| goals8 = 14
| years9 = 2013
| clubs9 = → Hayes & Yeading United (loan)
| caps9 = 6
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2014
| clubs10 = Dunstable Town
| caps10 = 11
| goals10 = 6
| years11 = 2014
| clubs11 = Burnham
| caps11 =
| goals11 =
| years12 = 2014–2015
| clubs12 = Arlesey Town
| caps12 = 9
| goals12 = 2
| years13 = 2015–2017
| clubs13 = Biggleswade Town
| caps13 = 68
| goals13 = 39
| years14 = 2015
| clubs14 = → Hertford Town (loan)
| caps14 = 2
| goals14 = 2
| years15 = 2017
| clubs15 = Barrow
| caps15 = 7
| goals15 = 1
| years16 = 2017–2018
| clubs16 = Woking
| caps16 = 28
| goals16 = 8
| years17 = 2018
| clubs17 = Ross County
| caps17 = 2
| goals17 = 0
| years18 = 2018–2020
| clubs18 = Dover Athletic
| caps18 = 80
| goals18 = 25
| years19 = 2020–2021
| clubs19 = Stevenage
| caps19 = 9
| goals19 = 1
| years20 = 2020–2021
| clubs20 = → Barnet (loan)
| caps20 = 5
| goals20 = 1
| years21 = 2021
| clubs21 = → Notts County (loan)
| caps21 = 12
| goals21 = 1
| years22 = 2021–2022
| clubs22 = Woking
| caps22 = 40
| goals22 = 13
| years23 = 2022–2023
| clubs23 = Aldershot Town
| caps23 = 28
| goals23 = 14
| years24 = 2023–2024
| clubs24 = Dagenham & Redbridge
| caps24 = 46
| goals24 = 25
| years25 = 2024
| clubs25 = Braintree Town
| caps25 = 21
| goals25 = 2
| years26 = 2024–
| clubs26 = Woking
| caps26 = 23
| goals26 = 5
| club-update = 19:11, 5 May 2025 (UTC)
}}
Inih Othneil Effiong (born 2 March 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for National League club Woking.
Career
Effiong was born in England and is of Nigerian descent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ceroacero.es/player.php?id=171776|title=Inih Effiong :: Inih Effiong :: Notts County}} He started his career with St Albans City and made his debut in 2008,{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong |url=http://saintsstatistics.co.uk/player.php?id=805 |publisher=St Albans City Official Site |accessdate=19 January 2018}} he went onto enjoy spells with Northwood and Boreham Wood before returning to City, two years later. Effiong went onto register fourteen goals in the 2013–14 campaign in forty-one appearances, this impressive form brought the attention of his former club, Boreham Wood. Unable to agree a fee, the deal went to a tribunal and Effiong returned to the Wood. After failing to adapt to life at Boreham Wood, Effiong had loan spells with Hitchin Town and Chesham United, where he flourished, especially at Chesham, netting seven times in seven games. He went onto to return to Boreham Wood, before making a permanent move back to Chesham. Following his two years with Chesham, Effiong went onto have spells at Dunstable Town, Burnham and Arlesey Town before joining Biggleswade Town in July 2015.{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong Profile |url=http://www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk/players/inih-effiong |publisher=Aylesbury United |accessdate=19 January 2018}} Preceding a successful first season with the Waders, Effiong went onto net 23 times in the following campaign. This impressive form brought the attention of many Football League and National League sides.
On 27 January 2017, Effiong joined National League side, Barrow on a deal until the end of the campaign.{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong: Barrow sign striker from Biggleswade Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38769966 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2017 |accessdate=19 January 2018}} On 18 February 2017, he made his debut for Barrow during their 0–0 home draw with Torquay United, replacing Richie Bennett in the 84th minute.{{Cite news |title=Barrow vs. Torquay United |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2017/02/18/england/conference-national/barrow-afc/torquay-united-fc/2265591/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=18 February 2017 |accessdate=19 January 2018}} A month later, Effiong scored his first and only goal for Barrow in their 2–1 home victory over Tranmere Rovers, netting the Bluebirds' equaliser in the 63rd minute.{{Cite news |title=Barrow vs. Tranmere Rovers |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2017/03/07/england/conference-national/barrow-afc/tranmere-rovers-fc/2265567/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=7 March 2017 |accessdate=19 January 2018}} On 10 May 2017, it was announced that Effiong would leave Barrow upon the expiry of his contract in June.{{Cite news |title=Retained List |url=http://barrowafc.com/retained-list/ |publisher=Barrow AFC Official Site |date=10 May 2017 |accessdate=19 January 2018}}
Two weeks later, Effiong joined fellow National League side Woking on a one-year deal.{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong: Woking sign striker after Barrow release |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40029761 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2017 |accessdate=19 January 2018}} On the opening day of the 2017–18 campaign, Effiong netted eighteen minutes into his Woking debut, during their 2–1 home victory over Gateshead.{{Cite news |title=Woking vs. Gateshead |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2017/08/05/england/conference-national/woking-fc/gateshead-fc/2495024/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=5 August 2017 |accessdate=19 January 2018}} During Woking's impressive FA Cup run, Effiong netted twice in six appearances, including goals against League One sides Bury{{Cite news |title=Bury vs. Woking |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2017/11/14/england/fa-cup/bury-fc/woking-fc/2678522/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=14 November 2017 |accessdate=19 January 2018}} and Peterborough United.{{Cite news |title=Peterborough United vs. Woking |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2017/12/12/england/fa-cup/peterborough-united-fc/woking-fc/2696555/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=12 December 2017 |accessdate=19 January 2018}} In the space of six months, Effiong registered ten goals in all competitions, his last coming in a 4–4 draw with Maidstone United,{{Cite news |title=Woking vs. Maidstone United |url= https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2018/01/06/england/conference-national/woking-fc/maidstone-united-fc/2495360/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=6 January 2018 |accessdate=19 January 2018}} before leaving in January 2018.
On 19 January 2018, Effiong joined Scottish Premiership side Ross County on a one-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.{{Cite news |title=Signing News Inih Effiong joins the Club |url=http://www.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk/news/archive/signing-news-inih-effiong/ |publisher=Ross County Official Site |date=19 January 2018 |accessdate=19 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121000007/http://www.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk/news/archive/signing-news-inih-effiong/ |url-status=dead }} A day later, he made his debut for Ross County during their 1–0 away defeat to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup, featuring for 86 minutes before being replaced by Alex Schalk.{{Cite news |title=Kilmarnock vs. Ross County |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2018/01/20/scotland/scottish-cup/kilmarnock-fc/ross-county-fc/2687535/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=20 January 2018 |accessdate=20 January 2018}} Effiong left the club on 6 April 2018.{{Cite news |title=Effiong Departs the Club |url=http://www.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk/news/archive/effiong-departs-dingwall/ |publisher=Ross County Official Site |date=5 April 2018 |accessdate=5 April 2018}}
On 23 June 2018, Effiong signed for National League club Dover Athletic.{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong: Dover bring in former Woking and Ross County striker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44587842 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 June 2018 |accessdate=23 June 2018}}
After two prolific seasons at Dover, Effiong joined Stevenage on 23 June 2020.{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong signs |url=https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2020/june/inih-effiong-signs-stevenage-football-club-transfer-sky-bet-league-two-efl-english-football-league-tuesday-23rd-june-2020/ |publisher=Stevenage FC |date=23 June 2020 |accessdate=23 June 2020}} He scored his first goal for Stevenage in a 1–1 draw against Barrow on 12 September 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54038200 |title=Barrow 1-1 Stevenage |date=12 September 2020 |publisher=BBC|accessdate=7 October 2020}} Effiong joined Barnet on a one month loan on 2 December 2020.[https://www.barnetfc.com/news/2020/december/inih-effiong-joins-a-short-loan-deal/ Inih Effiong joins on a short term loan deal] On 11 January 2021, Effiong joined National League side Notts County on loan for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.{{Cite news |url=https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2021/january/inih-effiong-loan-stevenage-football-club-notts-county-transfer-news-sky-bet-league-two-efl-english-football-league-saturday-9th-january-2021/ |title=Effiong joins Notts County on loan |publisher=Stevenage FC |date=11 January 2021}} Unfortunately, his loan was terminated early, on 5 April 2021.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/effiong-and-richardson-depart-040421/ |title=Loan update |publisher=Notts County FC |date=5 April 2021}} On 15 May 2021, it was announced that he would leave Stevenage at the end of the season, following the expiry of his contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2021/may/retained--released-202021-stevenage-fc-sky-bet-league-two-efl-english-football-league-saturday-15-may-2021/|title=Stevenage FC Retained & Released List 2020/21|website=www.stevenagefc.com}}
On 26 May 2021, Effiong agreed a deal to return to Woking on a one-year deal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wokingfc.co.uk/news/article/7508/former-cards-striker-agrees-to-sign/|title=Former Cards Striker Agrees To Sign|website=www.wokingfc.co.uk|first=Nick|last=Shaw|accessdate=26 May 2021|date=26 May 2021}} On 21 August 2021, Effiong made his return in a Woking shirt, playing the full 90 minutes and assisting goalscorer, Max Kretzschmar during their 2–1 away victory against Wealdstone.{{Cite news |title=Wealdstone vs. Woking |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2021/08/21/england/conference-national/wealdstone-fc/woking-fc/3545586/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=21 August 2021 |accessdate=1 September 2021}} He scored his first goal upon his return to the club during their 3–1 home victory over Chesterfield, netting the Cards' third in the 89th minute, completing the comeback after Saidou Khan's opener.{{Cite news |title=Woking vs. Chesterfield |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2021/09/28/england/conference-national/woking-fc/chesterfield-fc/3545652/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=28 September 2021 |accessdate=4 October 2021}} Just four days later, Effiong scored once again, this time netting Woking's equaliser in their 4–1 away victory over former side, Notts County.{{Cite news |title=Notts County vs. Woking |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2021/10/02/england/conference-national/notts-county-fc/woking-fc/3545673/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=2 October 2021 |accessdate=4 October 2021}} Following one campaign back at Kingfield, on 26 May 2022, he announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of his contract in June.{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/iniheffiong1/status/1529796319631618048 |publisher=Inih Effiong |website=Twitter |date=26 May 2022 |accessdate=26 May 2022}} During his two spells, Effiong collated a total of 77 appearances and 23 goals to his name.
On 17 June 2022, Effiong agreed to join Woking's rivals Aldershot Town on a two-year deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.theshots.co.uk/new-signing-shots-sign-effiong/|title=NEW SIGNING: Shots Sign Effiong|website=www.theshots.co.uk|date=16 June 2022|accessdate=17 June 2022}} An impressive run of form saw Dagenham & Redbridge purchase the striker on an eighteen-month deal for an undisclosed fee in February 2023.{{cite web|url=https://daggers.co.uk/news/-NNgfZfurNFCSmyv6IRm|title=Welcome to Dagenham & Redbridge, Inih Effiong!|website=daggers.co.uk|date=7 February 2023|accessdate=15 February 2023}} He was later awarded the National League Player of the Month award for January 2023 following seven goals in eight matches prior to his departure.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/pride-for-phil-and-inih-as-national-league-winners-74631|title=Pride For Phil And Inih As National League Winners Announced|website=www.thenationalleague.org.uk|date=15 February 2023|accessdate=15 February 2023}}
In June 2024, Effiong joined newly promoted National League side Braintree Town.{{cite tweet|number=1800970213677994415|title=✍🏻 Inih Effiong joins Angelo's squad A huge signing for the Iron, Effiong joins us after his impressive stint at Dagenham and Redbridge FC brining experience and technique with him. We look forward to having him as part of our squad this season🟧🟦 #IronArmy #PubTeamFromEssex|user=braintreetownfc|author-link=Braintree Town F.C.|date=12 June 2024|accessdate=13 June 2024}}
On 6 December 2024, Effiong returned to Woking for his third spell at the club on a contract until June 2026.{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong returns |url=https://www.wokingfc.co.uk/news/article/8747/inih-effiong-returns/ |publisher=Woking FC |first=William |last=Bewsey |date=6 December 2024 |accessdate=7 December 2024}}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 5 May 2025}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes EFL Cup}} !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| St Albans City
|6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3Appearance(s) in Herts Senior Cup | 0 | 9 | 0 | ||
| Northwood (loan)
|2008–09{{Cite news |title=Inih Effiong |url=http://www.northwoodfc.com/az/E/Effiong%20Inih.htm |publisher=Northwood Official Site |accessdate=19 January 2018}} |IL Division One South |1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Boreham Wood
|IL Premier Division |15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | ||
| St Albans City
|Conference South |37 | 13 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2One appearance and one goal in Herts Senior Cup, one appearance in FA Trophy | 1 | 41 | 14 | ||
| rowspan="3" valign="center"|Boreham Wood
|Conference South |18 | 3 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | 19 | 3 | ||
| 2012–13
|Conference South |15 | 4 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 2One appearance in Herts Senior Cup, one in FA Trophy | 0 | 21 | 5 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!33 | 7 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | 40 | 8 | ||
| Hitchin Town (loan)
|SL Premier Division |15 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 15 | 3 | ||||
| Chesham United (loan)
|SL Premier Division |7 | 7 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 7 | 7 | ||||
| rowspan="4" valign="center"|Chesham United
|SL Premier Division |25 | 9 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2One appearance in Berks & Bucks Senior Cup, one in Southern League Premier Division play-offs | 0 | 27 | 9 | ||
| 2013–14
|SL Premier Division |35 | 3 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 8Two appearances in Southern League Cup, two in FA Trophy, two appearances and two goals in Berks & Bucks Senior Cup,
two appearances in Southern League Premier Division play-offs | 2 | 44 | 5 | ||
| 2014–15
|SL Premier Division |6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2One appearance and one goal in Southern League Cup, one appearance in FA Trophy | 1 | 10 | 3 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!66 | 14 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 12 | 3 | 81 | 17 | ||
| rowspan="1" valign="center"|Hayes & Yeading United (loan)
|Conference South |6 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |||
| Dunstable Town
|SL Premier Division |11 | 6 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 11 | 6 | |||
| Arlesey Town
|SL Premier Division |9 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | |||
| rowspan="3" valign="center"|Biggleswade Town
|SL Premier Division |37 | 16 | 3 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1Appearance(s) in FA Trophy | 0 | 41 | 16 | ||
| 2016–17
|SL Premier Division |31 | 23 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | 35 | 23 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!68 | 39 | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 0 | 76 | 39 | ||
| Hertford Town (loan)
|SSML Premier Division |2 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |||
| Barrow
|2016–17{{Cite news |title=I. Effiong |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/inih-effiong/144828/ |publisher=Soccerway |accessdate=19 January 2018}} |7 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | |||
| Woking
|National League |28 | 8 | 6 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | 35 | 10 | ||
| Ross County
|2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | |||
| rowspan="3" valign="center"|Dover Athletic
|National League |44 | 9 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 1 | 49 | 11 | ||
| 2019–20
|National League |36 | 16 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 1 | 41 | 17 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!80 | 25 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 6 | 2 | 90 | 28 | ||
| Stevenage
|9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy | 1 | 13 | 2 | |
| Barnet (loan)
|National League |5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | ||
| Notts County (loan)
|National League |12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | ||
| Woking
|National League |40 | 13 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | 42 | 13 | ||
| Aldershot Town
|National League |28 | 14 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 2 | 30 | 16 | ||
| rowspan="3" valign="center"|Dagenham & Redbridge
|National League |18 | 9 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 18 | 9 | ||||
| 2023–24
|National League |28 | 16 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | 30 | 16 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!46 | 25 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | 48 | 25 | ||
| Braintree Town
|National League |21 | 2 | 2 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 2Appearance(s) in National League Cup | 2 | 25 | 5 | ||
| Woking
|National League |23 | 5 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 2 | 27 | 7 | |||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!577 | 188 | 29 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 44 | 13 | 651 | 206 |
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase|id=68072}}
{{Woking F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Effiong, Inih}}
Category:Footballers from the London Borough of Brent
Category:English men's footballers
Category:English people of Nigerian descent
Category:Sportspeople of Nigerian descent
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:St Albans City F.C. players
Category:Northwood F.C. players
Category:Boreham Wood F.C. players
Category:Hitchin Town F.C. players
Category:Chesham United F.C. players
Category:Hayes & Yeading United F.C. players
Category:Dunstable Town F.C. players
Category:Arlesey Town F.C. players
Category:Biggleswade Town F.C. players
Category:Hertford Town F.C. players
Category:Barrow A.F.C. players
Category:Ross County F.C. players
Category:Dover Athletic F.C. players
Category:Stevenage F.C. players
Category:Notts County F.C. players
Category:Aldershot Town F.C. players
Category:Dagenham & Redbridge F.C. players
Category:Braintree Town F.C. players
Category:Isthmian League players
Category:Southern Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:Black British sportsmen