Sunderland's Emenike names Olise, Arsenal, Forest stars as his role models; inspired by Maja

Sunderland signed talented center-back Ugonna Emenike earlier this month for their U23 team.

Emenike's agreement with Sunderland will keep him at the Stadium of Light until at least the end of the 2021-2022 season.

The 18-year-old is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Super Eagles striker Josh Maja by rising through the academy ranks of the Black Cats to play for the first team, and has cited Crystal Palace dazzler Michael Olise,
Nottingham Forest right-back Djed Spence and Arsenal central defender Ben White as his role models.

The promising teenager is eligible to play for Nigeria, where he was born, as well as England but has not yet decided on the senior national team to represent.

"I was born in Lagos, Nigeria. I will probably think about my international future when the time comes, " Emenike told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Josh Maja inspires me as he's from Nigeria and a London boy just like me.

"I can play left-back and left-sided center-back. I'm quick, a good dribbler and can beat my man.

"My role models are Michael Olise, Djed Spence and Ben White".