AFCON 2013: Super Eagles Player Profile – Ikechukwu Uche

By Arinze Ude Ikechukwu Uche was born on 5th January 1984 in Aba. He started his career with Iwuanyanwu Nationale before travelling out to Spain to join Racing Ferrol in Spanish Segunda division as an 18-year old. He’s played most of his career in Spain with Recreativo de Huelva, Getafe, Real Zaragoza, Villareal and Granada. The striker made his debut for Nigeria in 2007, scoring the first of his 18 goals against Lesotho in a 2-0 win  in 2007. He played in the 2008/2010 Nations Cup tournaments in Angola and Egypt respectively along with his elder brother, Kalu Uche. He was dropped for the 2010 World Cup despite being the top goal scorer during the qualifiers because he had just recovered from a knee injury at the time and Nigeria really missed his exploits in front of goal with team scoring just two goals in their group stage exit. He was recalled to the team after the World Cup and was named in Keshi’s 23-man team for Africa’s elite competition this year. He was billed to lead the line instead it is Emmanuel Emenike who has shone like a star. He came on as a substitute in the first game and missed two clear cut chances to wrap up the game for Nigeria. He was limited to cameo appearances since then and played in the first half of the final match against Burkina Faso before being substituted by Ahmed Musa in the second half.