Nigeria: Ike Uche Gets Plaudits for Goal

Daily Independent (Lagos)

30 March 2011

Real Zaragoza striker, Ikechukwu Uche, has become the toast of his national teammates after scoring three goals in two matches, Ethiopia and Kenya.

But it was the sublime touch behind Uche’s goal against Kenya that has drawn the attention of Victor Anichebe, Christian Chukwu and Kenya’s goalkeeper, Arnold Origi.

Anichebe was full of praises for the striker saying Uche’s goal against the Harambee Stars belied a player that just returned from injury.

“He is a fantastic player with fantastic technique,” Ancihebe began with his description of Uche. “I am happy for him because he is back to his best after suffering such an injury that kept him out for long. I have also been there and I know how frustrating it can be being on the sideline injured. And that goal (against Kenya) didn’t look that of a player just recovering from injury”

Former Nigerian coach, Chukwu, is happy that Siasia’s recall of the former Getafe attacker paid off.

Chukwu said that the performance of the 27-year-old was a testimony that he still has a lot to offer.

” I’ve always known that he is capable of doing well just like his elder brother (Kalu Uche). I am happy that Siasia invited him in spite of just returning from injury that has paid off well,” said Chukwu.

“At least that goal against Kenya proved to everyone that his goals against Ethiopia were no fluke.”

Kenya’s keeper in Tuesday night’s friendly against Nigeria, Origi said Uche’s goal against his team came as a result of the player’s genius rather than defensive lapses, pointing out that the goal showed that “Uche is a highly technical player.”

“The goal was no fault of anybody. It was not a defensive error on our own part. Goals like that are not scored every time in a match. As much as I tried to narrow my angle, Uche simply squeezed the ball past me and I could not do anything,” said Origi.

But Origi will also be remembered for putting up a great performance in goal for Kenya with a number of eye-catching saves in the game to keep the scoreline to just three-nil against his team.

AllAfrica – All the Time