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Real Madrid defender David Alaba is currently in Nigeria, joining a growing list of top football stars reconnecting with their African heritage. The Austrian international, born to Nigerian parents, is making his first official visit to the country since rising to global football fame.

Warm Welcome at Fela’s Shrine

Over the weekend, Alaba received a hero’s welcome at the iconic New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, a cultural landmark founded in honor of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti. According to Nation Sports, his visit not only sparked excitement among fans but also gave a significant boost to local economic activity at the Shrine.

In a video shared by the @afrikashrine Instagram page, supporters were seen shaking hands, taking selfies, and celebrating the presence of the Real Madrid star. Alaba paid tribute to Fela by raising both hands in the late musician’s signature salute, alongside one of the Shrine’s longest-serving staff members, known affectionately as Waiter 1.

Celebrating His Nigerian Heritage

While Alaba has been a prominent figure in international football for years, this marks his first known trip to Nigeria. It’s a journey of cultural reconnection for the 32-year-old, whose father, George Alaba, hails from Ogun State and holds the title of a crown prince.

George Alaba moved to Austria in 1984 to study Economics at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. In 1988, he met his future wife, Gina, an immigrant, and the two later married and had two children—David and his sister, Rose May Alaba, now a celebrated musician.

George was also a well-known DJ at an African nightclub in Austria, and his prominence helped him secure Austrian citizenship in the 1990s. He also broke barriers as the first Black soldier in the Austrian army, making the Alaba family a symbol of integration and success in Europe.

David Alaba’s Rise to Stardom

David Alaba’s football journey began when he was just six years old, after his father registered him at SV Aspern, a youth club in Donaustadt, Austria. His talent was evident early on, prompting a move to Austria Vienna’s youth academy in 2002 when he was only 10.

By the age of 17, he had made history by becoming the youngest player to debut for the Austrian national team, a record he still holds. Alaba’s club career has seen him shine with Bayern Munich, before making the move to Real Madrid, where he has become a key figure in their defense.

A Season to Remember

Alaba recently played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s successful 2023/24 campaign, where they clinched both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles, according to Olorisupergal. His leadership and experience were pivotal in guiding the Spanish giants to a historic double.

Footballers Reconnecting with Nigeria

Alaba’s visit comes just days after fellow star and CAF Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, was seen spending time with his family in Lagos Island and even visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The growing trend of foreign-born Nigerian footballers visiting the country highlights a strong desire to embrace their cultural roots and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Source: https://newspremises.com.ng/david-alaba-visits-nigeria-for-the-first-time-connects-with-his-roots-at-new-afrika-shrine/

See more photos 👉 HERE

Arara! Ororo!! 💪🏾

🤍🇳🇬💯💪🏾

Does he speak Yoruba?

Is this a news or what?
This country sef. 😂 😂

Doesn't even look like him

First time ever in Nigeria?
So ,he will visit again in the next 32 years

Waw. Omoluabi. Welcome home

Lol Shrine come turn tourism center...

He doesn't look like the Alaba of that time ooo... My guy don change!!

Bloggers should stop lying

This is not his first time

How time flies.. I remember him at 17 balling for first team of Bayern Munich

The guy who chose to go the way of John Fashanu. They practically begged him to play for Nigeria but chose Europe over Nigeria. I am sure when he is old, he would want to be the NFA chairman

Saint99:
The guy who chose to go the way of John Fashanu. They practically begged him to play for Nigeria but chose Europe over Nigeria. I am sure when he is old, he would want to be the NFA chairman

That’s a big lie.
NFF never approached or begged him to play for Nigeria.
Even Peterside Idah, former moroka swallows goal keeper now soccer pundit at one time advised NFF repeatedly to give David Alaba a chance when he was still 17 years and playing for Bayern. But they were more concentrated on how to bring out the best in Taiye taiwo and Echiejile manning the left back.

Enjoy your roots. We never would know what your dazzling input would have had on the super eagles defence.

This guy roots plenty

He is from Ogun State

Alright

AutoConsultng:
Doesn't even look like him

You are right! I think the reason is we never saw him with face cap/hat before. So his look changed. But a friend of his whom I know in Vienna confirmed he is Nigeria.

U make a good decision for not playing for Nigeria
So wat are you looking for?

Usenak:
Enjoy your roots. We never would know what your dazzling input would have had on the super eagles defence.

Imagine having this guy in our defense?

Omoluabi

Saint99:
The guy who chose to go the way of John Fashanu. They practically begged him to play for Nigeria but chose Europe over Nigeria. I am sure when he is old, he would want to be the NFA chairman

No mind dem

Saint99:
The guy who chose to go the way of John Fashanu. They practically begged him to play for Nigeria but chose Europe over Nigeria. I am sure when he is old, he would want to be the NFA chairman

he said no one consulted hin

One time for the culture 💨

damilola4162:
Source: https://newspremises.com.ng/david-alaba-visits-nigeria-for-the-first-time-connects-with-his-roots-at-new-afrika-shrine/

which one is "spotted"? he went to a place and pose for camera, and you said "spotted". nonsense

David Alaba's visit to Nigeria is more than just a celebrity sighting - it's a powerful symbol of cultural reconnection and identity. As a Nigerian-born Austrian, Alaba's journey highlights the complexities of diasporic identity and the importance of staying connected to one's roots.

By visiting the New Afrika Shrine and paying tribute to Fela Kuti, Alaba is not only celebrating his Nigerian heritage but also acknowledging the cultural legacy that has shaped his identity. This moment is significant, as it shows how Alaba is embracing his roots and using his platform to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

Alaba's story also underscores the importance of family and cultural heritage in shaping individual identity. His father's journey from Nigeria to Austria, and his own rise to stardom, serve as a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

As a role model, Alaba's visit can inspire young Nigerians to take pride in their cultural heritage and pursue their passions, whether in sports, music, or other fields. His presence can also help promote cultural tourism and economic development in Nigeria, highlighting the country's rich cultural assets and potential for growth.

Overall, Alaba's visit is a celebration of Nigerian culture, identity, and the power of diasporic connections. It's a reminder that cultural heritage is a vital part of our individual and collective identities, and that embracing our roots can lead to greater understanding, pride, and fulfillment.

Saint99:
The guy who chose to go the way of John Fashanu. They practically begged him to play for Nigeria but chose Europe over Nigeria. I am sure when he is old, he would want to be the NFA chairman

You don't know Alaba story. His father actually wanted him to play for Nigeria and brought him down to Nigeria but NFA officials frustrated him till he has no choice than to play for Austria