Magnus Okuonghae

Magnus Okuonghae

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Magnus began his career with Fulham youth but was given his first professional contract at Rushden and Diamonds in 2002. He failed to establish himself in the first team in the next 3 years. He rejected a new contract and after a trial with Gillingham tried his luck with Aldershot, St. Albans City and Crawley Town without nailing down a regular first team spot. Signing for John Still’s Dagenham and Redbridge proved to be the turning point as after a slow start he established himself in the starting line up for the 2008/09 season. 52 League 2 (4th tier) appearances that season with 2 goals drew the attention of League One Colchester United. The next 6 seasons saw 215 appearances and 8 goals for the Essex club.

Hatters’ manager John Still signed Magnus on a two year contract in July 2015. John Still said - “He’s a beast, a big, strong, powerful player and a great lad too.” The club had had centre back issues the previous season so Magnus was seen not only as a back up but as good competition too. He made 14 appearances in total and was loaned out to Hartlepool United which was cut short due to injury. He had a knee operation in April 2016 and never played again for the Town and was released from his contract that August.

Magnus ended his playing career with spells at Hartlepool United, back at the Daggers, Maidstone United, Welling United and Dulwich Hamlet without nailing down a first team place. Magnus retired from the game in July 2019.