Former Champions League star who marked Lionel Messi and won Afcon now tearing it up in non-league

FORMER Champions League star Efe Ambrose has gone from marking Lionel Messi and winning Afcon to tearing it up in non-league football.

The Nigeria icon, 36, has enjoyed a stellar career in Scottish football, winning four titles with Celtic while also starring for the likes of Hibs, Livingstone and St Johnstone.

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Former Celtic star Efe Ambrose is still going strong aged 35[/caption]

The Nigeria legend is now playing for non-league Bury FC

Ambrose’s prowess saw him go toe-to-toe with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi on several occasions in the Champions League.

And he even helped Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, cementing his place as a national icon.

But despite approaching his 36th birthday, Ambrose is still playing professional football.

In June he penned a deal with non-league side Bury, who play in the North West Counties Football League.

And Ambrose showed he still has what it takes to cut it on the field with a goal in last night’s 7-1 win over Abbey Hey.

Ambrose delighted fans as he found the back of the net in the drubbing away from home.

And he toasted the strike with an incredible triple backflip celebration.

Supporters were left thrilled realising one of their favourites from back in the day was still going strong.

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One said: “Quite the career!”

Another declared: “Good old Efe.”

Ambrose toasted his first Bury goal in styleX @buryfcofficial

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Ambrose won Afcon with Nigeria in 2013[/caption]

One noted: “Efe Ambrose Ballon d’Or.”

Another added: “The Goat.”

Even Bury’s defeated opponents Abbey Hey could not hold back from praising Ambrose.

Their admin tweeted: “I can’t lie, Efe Ambrose has done it all. Won the Afcon, played against Messi.

“And now does a triple backflip as he makes it 7 nil on a rainy night in Gorton.”