Ikechukwu Uche made a glorious return to Super Eagles action |
Nigeria star Ikechukwu Uche says he is “very, very happy” after scoring two goals on his return to the national team after 18 months out with injury.
The Real Zaragoza striker came off the bench to complete the Super Eagles’ 4-0 win over Ethiopia in Abuja on Sunday.
The victory keeps them in second place behind Guinea in qualifying group B for the Africa Cup of Nations 2012.
“I’m very happy that after a long time, I could come back and offer something to the team,” he told the BBC.
He was delighted not just to be playing again, but also to be part of a winning side, under new coach Samson Siasia.
“It’s been a very long time since Nigeria scored four goals in a game and I must congratulate the team – they were working for each other and we got the three points.”
Ikechukwu Uche suffered a knee injury in 2009 and the problem resurfaced just as he was about to return to action last July.
His brother Kalu, who also featured for the Super Eagles yesterday, said it was a delight to see him return.
“It’s not easy to come back after a long time and score two goals – he made me really proud.
“When he scored the second goal I thought, what a great goal! He really made Nigerian’s proud.”
The Super Eagles are a point behind Guinea in the group with three games remaining.
