Utaka begs Keshi: Give me striker's role against Namibia
Published: May 31, 2012
Red-hot Montpellier goal poacher, John Utaka, has called on Coach Stephen Keshi to let him spearhead the Super Eagles hunt for goals when they file out on Sunday to kick-start the 2014 World Cup campaign against Namibia at the U J Esuene Stadium, Calabar. Utaka was Montpellier hero when he netted seven goals, including a brace against Auxerre on the final day of the French season to propel his side to win the Ligue 1 for the first time in the club’s history.
The erstwhile Portsmouth striker, who had, in the past, been ignored by previous Super Eagles coaches for the top striker’s role, reaffirmed that he could rekindle the feat if saddled with the responsibility of leading the demolition squad against the Brave Warriors on Sunday.
“I am a professional player and I am ready to man any position the coach wants me to play. There is nothing wrong with it, so long as it will produce a good result for the team.
“I occasionally play from the wings for my club and sometimes, I start as a central striker. But I am more comfortable creating scoring chances for myself from the middle. I will do my best for Nigeria to deliver the goals,” Utaka assured.
The 30-year-old was part of Nigeria squad at the FIFA 2010 World Cup held in South Africa but was an unused substitute in the tournament.
The erstwhile Portsmouth striker, who had, in the past, been ignored by previous Super Eagles coaches for the top striker’s role, reaffirmed that he could rekindle the feat if saddled with the responsibility of leading the demolition squad against the Brave Warriors on Sunday.
“I am a professional player and I am ready to man any position the coach wants me to play. There is nothing wrong with it, so long as it will produce a good result for the team.
“I occasionally play from the wings for my club and sometimes, I start as a central striker. But I am more comfortable creating scoring chances for myself from the middle. I will do my best for Nigeria to deliver the goals,” Utaka assured.
The 30-year-old was part of Nigeria squad at the FIFA 2010 World Cup held in South Africa but was an unused substitute in the tournament.
Latest News
- Huddersfield release five players of Nigerian descent including forward named in 2023 AFCON squad
- Ajax insider rules out Premier League-linked striker Akpom staying at Dutch giants
- Euro 2024: Switzerland could cap-tie Salzburg's quad-national CB; two other 'Nigerians' in provisional squad
- 'A move could happen' - Transfer expert David Ornstein provides update on Man Utd's pursuit of Olise
- Les jeux de hasard dans la littérature : thèmes, motifs et symbolisme 1win
- La dépendance au jeu chez les adolescents 1Win : stratégies d'intervention précoce
- Netherlands Euro 2004 squad: Striker scouted by Nigeria, Lagos-born winger, ex-Super Eagles invitee snubbed
- Big boost for Nigeria: Chelsea's Ugochukwu, Crystal Palace's Olise omitted from France Euro 2024 squad
- Transfer expert names two players Chelsea could use as makeweights in proposed deal for Osimhen
- Club president dispels rumours linking ex-Chelsea, Spurs boss Conte with coaching job at Osimhen's Napoli
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football