James Igbekeme

James Omonigho Igbekeme (born 4 July 1995) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or winger.

Portugal
Born in Lagos, Igbekeme left his hometown at the age of 18 to join Portugese third division side G.D. Ribeirão in the 2013–14 season. In 2015, he moved to fellow league team U.D. Oliveirense.

In June 2017, Igbekeme signed for LigaPro side Gil Vicente F.C. He made his professional debut on 6 August, starting and scoring the winner in a 2–1 away defeat of FC Porto B.

On 28 October 2017, Igbekeme scored a brace in a 4–0 home routing of S.L. Benfica B. He finished the campaign with five goals in 32 appearances, but his side eventually suffered relegation.

Real Zaragoza
In June 2018, Igbekeme was transferred to Segunda División side Real Zaragoza for a reported €150,000, signing a four-year deal with the club. He made his debut in August on the first matchday of the season, a 2–1 home victory over Rayo Majadahonda. Igbekeme scored his first goal for Los Blanquillos on 8 September against Real Oviedo. On 18 June 2020, it was announced that Igbekeme had signed a contract extension, keeping him with Zaragoza until 2023. Initially a regular starter, he gradually started to feature more sparingly due to injuries and loss of form.

Loans and contract termination
In January 2022, Igbekeme signed a contract extension and was subsequently loaned to Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew until December, with Columbus holding an option to exercise a permanent transfer. After completing one season stateside, his purchase option was declined and he returned to Spain. However, new Zaragoza manager Fran Escribá did not see a place for Igbekeme in the squad, and sent Igbekeme on loan to Polish side Wisła Kraków in late February 2023. Igbekeme would make 14 appearances and score one goal for the club.

On 10 August 2023, he terminated his contract with Zaragoza and signed a contract with SD Ponferradina. On 12 November, Igbekeme scored a free-kick goal in his team's 1-0 win against Rayo Majadahonda.

Style of play
Noted as a versatile player able to play multiple midfield positions as well as out wide on the wing, Igbekeme has described himself as a player who "works hard, enjoys putting in effort, and always likes to help the team."