Nelson Ighodaro Abbey (born 28 August 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Rio Ave.
Club career Reading Abbey made his debut for Reading on 15 September 2020 as a substitute in a 1–0 EFL Cup defeat to Luton Town. Abbey signed his first professional contract with Reading on 15 December 2020, until the summer of 2022.
Olympiacos On 24 January 2024, Abbey left Reading to sign for Super League Greece club Olympiacos for an undisclosed fee. At the club, Nelson was part of the 2023/24 UEFA Conference League winning side in which the club was able to win in a 1-0 Victory.
Swansea City (loan) On 23 August 2024, Abbey joined club Swansea City on a season-long loan.
Abbey made his debut for the club in a 1-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup second round on 28 August 2024. On 3 January 2025, Abbey was recalled from his loan spell by Olympiacos, having made one appearance for Swansea City.
Rio Ave (loan - to buy) On 7 January 2025, Abbey joined Primeira Liga club Rio Ave on loan for the remainder of the season. With the deal being permanent the following season.
International career Abbey was born in England, but is also of Nigerian and Dutch descent. He was called up to the England under-17 squad in February 2020. He has made three appearances for England at under-17 level.
On 6 October 2023, Abbey was called up to the England U20 team for the first time as a replacement for Reuell Walters.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsReading2020–21Championship000010––102021–22Championship000010––102022–23Championship300000––302023–24League One2201010–20260Total2501030–20310Olympiacos2023–24Super League Greece4000–00–50Swansea City (loan)2024–25Championship000010––10Rio Ave (loan)2024–25Primeira Liga802000––100Rio Ave2025–26Primeira Liga2601000––2702026–27Primeira Liga400000––40Total3001000––310Career total67040400020770
References