Nigerian-Born, David Alaba Makes History With Bayern Munich

By Arinze Ude

Nigerian born defender, David Alaba made history with Bayern Munich when they defeated Stuttgart in the final of the German Cup on Saturday to become the first German side to do the treble. The German giants had won the Bundesliga and Champions League prior to the game after pipping Borussia Dortmund to league and also defeating Borussia Dortmund again in the first all-German Champions League final played in Wembley, England. Bayern Munich raced into a three goal lead via a Thomas Muller penalty and a brace from Mario Gomez, but Stuttgart rallied back and scored two quick goals through Martin Harnik to guarantee a nervy end to the game. The win sees Bayern join the illustrious treble club; the seventh club to achieve this feat after Celtic in 1967, Ajax in 1972, PSV Eindhoven in 1988, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in 1999, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2009 and Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in 2010. After finishing second in all competitions last season, Bayern Munich coach, Juup Heynckes rallied his team and grabbed their 23rd Bundesliga crown, 5th UEFA Champions League title and their 16th German Cup, achieved by smashing a host of records – including that seven nil aggregate win against FC Barcelona in the Semi-finals of the Champions League. Juup Heynckes, who is rumoured to retire in the summer, will be replaced by Pep Guardiola in July. David Alaba is of Nigerian descent but plays for the Austrian national team. He made his senior debut at 17  and has been at Bayern since 2008. The 20-year old was born to a Nigerian father and a Filipino mother in Austria. He’s played in three UCL finals for Bayern Munich (2010, 2012 and 2013).