All you need to know about Kelechi Nwakali, Nigeria's FIFA U-17 captain

Nigeria historic title defense at the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile was down to collective team work from the players as well as the management.

But some youngsters distinguished themselves among their pairs, racking up unbelievable performances throughout the tourney - skipper, Kelechi Nwakali was one.    

The Golden Eaglets defeated Mali 2-0 on Monday morning to clinch a record fifth U-17 title and break the jinx of never retaining the trophy.  

Kelechi, 17, the younger of the two Nwakali's was dropped from the Nigerian squad to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates,  while his elder brother, Chidiebere was a key member of the team.

"I was in the pre-World Cup training squad in 2013 but didn't make the squad that went on to win the trophy," Nwakali told FIFA.com.

The team went on to conquer the world and the skipper added "My brother Chidiebere was there, though and of course I felt proud and happy for the other players."

Two years on, the youngster has become the hero in his homeland and the most sort after player in the world under the age of 17 .

Both brothers are currently contracted to English giants, Manchester City alongside another Nigeria youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho.

Top scorer,Victor Osimhen, stole all the headlines with his record ten goals, but it was his combative and charismatic skipper that was considered the Most Outstanding Player at the tournament.

The player contributed three goals and three assists among which was a spectacular free kick goal in the semifinal against Mexico with the Golden Eaglets one goal down.

Described by coach Emmanuel Amuneke as "another God's gift to Nigeria" earlier in the year, the young lad has gone ahead to carve his name in the history of the country and the game.

Nwakali who idolizes City midfielder Yaya Toure,  says “I love watching him play because he loves to win. That’s all he wants. You can see it in the way he plays, the way he runs and even in the way he walks on the pitch.”

Just like the Ivory Coast skipper, Nwakali is a born leader who dictates instructions to his teammates on the pitch - no wonder his coach has this calm and  collected look always.

He said: “I am sort of his right-hand man {Emmanuel Amuneke} because he usually gives me instructions to pass on to the rest of my team-mates.”

Nwakali however showed his softer spot after the final by giving out his captain armband to a young Chilean fan.

The screaming fan caught the eye of the Nigeria No 10 from the stands directly next to the tunnel.
Nwakali waved at the young fan before rolling down his armband and throwing it towards the fan. It was caught by another supporter and passed to him.

After the game, the Golden Ball and Bronze boot winner said:

“I thank God for the opportunity to win this award. It means so much,” he told FIFA.com.

“Right from the game against the USA, when we arrived in Chile, our aim was to defend the trophy.

“We believed the only way we could do this was hard work. We approached each game with hard work and seriousness. Any team that came to Chile worked for it,” he added.

“Playing in the final is the dream of every young player,” the beaming No10 said. “To play in a World Cup final and win the trophy is amazing. Not just winning it, but defending it.”

Kelechi now joins the likes of Philip Osundu (1987), Sani Emmanuel (2009) and Kelechi Iheanacho (2013), as the few Nigerians to have won the prestigious Golden Ball award.

Enyimba are Nigerian League Champions

                                   

Enyimba International have emerged as champions of 2014/15 Nigeria Professional Football League after a scoreless draw with closet rivals, Warri Wolves at the Aba International Stadium on Sunday.
The Peoples' Elephant needed just a single point coming into their week 37 fixture and did exactly that to clinch a record seventh title - the most by any Nigerian club.

Enyimba played the most of Sunday’s clash with a man down after Daniel Etor  was shown a straight red card in the 40th minute, but the Aba side held their nerves to end their five year title drought.

The draw takes Kadiri Ikhana's team to 69 points from 37 games, five points more than second-place Wolves.  

In the last five years, Kano Pillars has dominated the league winning the title thrice consecutively, while Dolphins were champions in 2011.

Before the latest acquisition, Enyimba won the title in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010. They were African Champions in 2003 and 2004. No other Nigerian club side has won the prestigious CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa United, Taraba United and Kwara United have all been relegated with one game to spare - while one of the Port Hacourt clubs, Sharks or Dolphins could join the aforementioned teams.

Both sides are tied on 42 points apiece but Dolphins are above their neighbours on superior goal difference.

Nigeria win record seventh FIFA U-17 World Cup

Defending champions, Nigeria, defeated African champions, Mali 2-0 in the early hours of Monday - becoming only the second team to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in Vina Del Mar, Chile.

The Golden Eaglets are world champions for a record fifth time after seeing off their West African neighbours in a highly physical yet entertaining climax to the tournament.

Second half strikes from tournament top scorer Victor Osimhen and Funsho Bamgboye ensured the Nigerians overcame a first half penalty miss from Osinachi Ebere.

The penalty came as both sides were just finding their rhythm in the opening exchanges, Chato the culprit with a handball.

Ebere saw his low effort saved brilliantly by Diarra, his follow up header hit the bar before a third bite of the cherry was blocked by the Malian defence.

Both sides had chances in a tense opening period, with Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh.

The second half saw the game burst into life, with Emmanuel Amuneke's words clearly working their magic on the Nigerian youngsters.

Good approach play by substitute Chinedu Madueke saw him tee up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal, seeing him surpass the 9 goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and Souleymane Coulibaly ten years later.

The holders doubled their advantage mere minutes later, with Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at goal, Diarra standing little chance.

Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to retain their crown.

Nigeria duo, Nwakali and Osimhen were awarded with the Bronze and Golden Boots awards as the third and top scorers in the tournament.

The pair also clinched the Golden and Silver Balls respectively for the most outstanding players in the competition.

In the third place playoff, Belgium defeated Mexico 3-2 to win bronze.

The next edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held in India in 2017.

How Oliseh can bring out the best in Ighalo

Nigeria striker, Odion Ighalo, is having an unbelievable debut season in the Barclays Premier League - one that many strikers could have only dreamt about or merely illusionalised.

A season that has seen the 26-year-old notch seven league goals in 11 appearances thus far - a goal return only bettered by Leicester City's Jamie Vardy on 11.

After his exploits in the 2014/15 Championship season where he scored 20-times to help the Hornets gain promotion to the top flight , it was believed that the striker's achievement was a mere fluke.

And the fact that his previous club records hasn't been fantastic didn't actually help his CV - 18 goals in over a century of appearances for both Granda and Udinese.

But Ighalo has so far proven his consistency with top-notch performances - his seventh strike against West Ham on Saturday ensured the striker surpassed Heidar Helguson and Hameur Bouzza as Watford's all-time EPL top scorer.

"It's not just about the scoring, but the work rate of Ighalo is really good for the team," Watford coach, Quique Sanchez Flores, said about the Nigerian.

"He knows his defensive position and I think he always puts in a high performance."

One conundrum in having an in-form player in your team is there's also an equal dilemma in keeping such player happy.

This is the present predicament of Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, who must be relishing the prospect of having Ighalo, who is top scorer in all English leagues but still find himself pondering the best possible system to suit the striker.

Nigeria play two-key 2018 FIFA World qualifying games against Swaziland before locking horns with the Pharoahs of Egypt in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

So what system works for Ighalo at Watford?

Out of the three newly promoted teams, Watford has shown more determination and courage to remain with 4 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses - which takes them to 11th on the log.

Quique has adopted an orthodox 4-4-2 system with Ighalo leading the line, supported by club skipper, Troy Deeney, who drops deeper occasionally to the midfield.

By doing this, Ighalo is given the license to attack at full capacity, pressing forward and making opposing defenders as well as goalkeepers commit elementary errors.

"They are two strikers in form," Crystal Palace coach, Alan Pardew, said about the pair.

"There is chemistry between the two and in the Premier League there is not a lot of that.

"But they have it, which is very fortunate Watford, they handle the division very well.”

Apart from the goals, Ighalo has assisted two others - meaning out of the 10 goals scored by the club this season, the former Lyn striker has a hand in nine of them.

But the Nigerian has also benefited from a wonderful partnership with Deeney, he narrated: “Troy’s assisted me for three of the seven goals I’ve scored this season,” pointed out Ighalo to Watford Official.

“But we didn’t only click now, since last season we played together up-front in the Championship and we were playing well and working hard together then," he added.

In his few games in-charge, Oliseh has used Ighalo as the lone striker with Ahmed Musa, Sylvester Igboun and Moses Simon playing behind.

But the former Borrusia Dortmund midfielder should consider pairing the eX-Granada man with recent Eagles returnee, Obafemi Martins.

Martins boost an incredible record since joining Seattle Sounders in the MLS in 2013. The former Newcastle man has scooped 40 goals and 23 assists, which is an outstanding return for any striker.

just like Deeney and Ighalo at Vicarage Road, Martins could form a dreadful patnership with the Watford man for the Nigerian national team.

Nigeria slump in latest FIFA World Rankings

Nigeria Super Eagles has slipped in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday for the month of October.

The three-time African champions dropped seven spots to 59th in the world - meaning they move out of the top 10 to 12th on the continent.

Coach Sunday Oliseh's team played two international friendly games last month in Belgium - losing 2-0 against the Democratic Republic of Congo  and thrashing the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 3-0.

And the team has now paid the ultimate penalty for that defeat to the DR Congo with the Leopards moving five places to 55th in the world and 10th in Africa.

Ivory Coast remains the top football nation on the continent, followed by the Desert Foxes of Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde and the Terenga Lions of Senegal.

Tunisia, Cameroon, Congo, Guinea and DRC make up the top 10 teams in Africa while the Pharoahs of Egypt are 11th.

Globally, Belgium moved to the top of the FIFA Rankings for the first time in their history after they leapfrogged Argentina who are now third.

Germany retained her second-spot, with Portugal and Chile completing the top five in the world.

Watford coach salutes record-breaker Ighalo

Nigeria striker, Odion Ighalo, has received the praises of Watford manager, Quique Sanchez Flores for yet another top-notch performance in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

Ighalo scored twice as the Hornets overcame West Ham 2-0 at Vicarage Road - their second consecutive victory in the League - as well as his six and seventh strikes of the season.

The Spaniard expressed his satisfaction with the all-round performance of the 25-year-old who was not just spectacular with his goals but his defending also.  

"It is not just the scoring but the workrate of Ighalo is really good for the team," the 50-year-old former Valencia coach told Sky Sports after the game.

"He knows his defensive position and I think he always puts in a high performance," he added.

Watford moved up to ninth in the League table as a result and are only five points outside of the top four all thanks to Ighalo.

The former Granada striker carved his name in the history books becoming the highest goal-scorer in the club's history in the Premier League surpassing Heidar Helguson and Hameur Bouzza.

And the Nigerian couldn't hide his joy about this feat but attributed his success to teamwork.

"I'm happy about my goals, but I'm most pleased about the team performance. We played very well today and we deserved the win and the three points," Ighalo told Watford Official on Saturday.

"We've been performing great this season, not just today, and we've been working hard together.

"The team have been pushing, we run for each other, we fight for each other, and it's been great.

"I'm happy for the spirit today, we won last week and that gave us a boost to push on."

FIFA U-17 WC: Nigeria demolish Brazil to reach semis

Nigeria Golden Eaglets edged closer towards winning a record fifth FIFA U-17 world crown with a 3-0 thrashing of the junior Selecao of Brazil at Vina Del Mar, Chile on Sunday. 

The four-time world champions were in destructive mood when they squared-off against the South Americans for the first time ever at this level - tearing apart their opponents in just five first half minutes.  

Tournament top scorer Victor Osimhen scored his eight in five games coupled with strikes from Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumudu ensured the Eaglets cruised to their seventh semi-final. 

Brazil, the second mFIFA U-17 WC: Nigeria demolish Brazil to reach semis 

Nigeria Golden Eaglets edged closer towards winning a record fifth FIFA U-17 world crown with a 3-0 thrashing of the junior Selecao of Brazil at Vina Del Mar, Chile on Sunday. 

The four-time world champions were in destructive mood when they squared-off against the South Americans for the first time ever at this level - tearing apart their opponents in just five first half minutes.  

Tournament top scorer Victor Osimhen scored his eight in five games coupled with strikes from Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumudu ensured the Eaglets cruised to their seventh semi-final. 

 

Brazil, the second most successful nation at this level behind Nigeria looked brighter in the opening stages, either finding Eaglets goalie Akpan Udoh in fine form or missing the target. 

Carlos Amadeu's lads were made to rue those missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts. John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao.

Moments later, the Eaglets doubled their lead, Osimhen instrumental once more. The forward hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder, with Michael following in. The ball bounced up off the turf and past Juliano.

The Brazilian No1 was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu hit a left-footed drive from distance. The effort skipped off the turf, and past the stopper, who was visibly unhappy at not keeping the shot out.

Unlike the first, the second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye and Evander going closest for either side but, in truth, it was a mere procession for the holders to take a step closer to retaining their title. 

Nigeria who has scored sixteen times thus far at the competition will now face either Mexico or Ecuador in the semifinal on Thursday. 

While the Brazilians will have to tarry a little longer in-order to add to their three titlesost successful nation at this level behind Nigeria looked brighter in the opening stages, either finding Eaglets goalie Akpan Udoh in fine form or missing the target. 

Carlos Amadeu's lads were made to rue those missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts. John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao.

Moments later, the Eaglets doubled their lead, Osimhen instrumental once more. The forward hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder, with Michael following in. The ball bounced up off the turf and past Juliano.

The Brazilian No1 was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu hit a left-footed drive from distance. The effort skipped off the turf, and past the stopper, who was visibly unhappy at not keeping the shot out.

Unlike the first, the second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye and Evander going closest for either side but, in truth, it was a mere procession for the holders to take a step closer to retaining their title. 

Nigeria who has scored sixteen times thus far at the competition will now face either Mexico or Ecuador in the semifinal on Thursday. 

While the Brazilians will have to tarry a little longer in-order to add to their three titles

Manuel Pellegrini mystified by Iheanacho's capabilities

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed the performance of Kelechi Iheanacho after a starring role in a comfortable Capital One Cup demolition of Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old Nigerian striker got on the scoresheet and set up two other goals as City cruised through to the quarter-finals with a 5-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.

It was an impressive way for the youngster to mark his first start for the club and it offered City some encouragement at a time of limited attacking options with leading scorer Sergio Aguero still out injured.

Pellegrini said: "It was very important for Kelechi to demonstrate once again that he's a very good player.

"He's not just a striker - he provided two assists. I'm very happy for him. He has things to improve but he's working in the correct way."

Iheanacho played up front with Wilfried Bony, who also scored. Iheanacho teed up goals for Kevin De Bruyne and fellow teenager Manu Garcia while Yaya Toure also struck from the penalty spot.

Pellegrini said: "I think this moment it's important for the team to have Kelechi and Bony as options without Kun (Aguero).

"They can play both together as they did tonight. Bony played well tonight. Of course Kelechi was very impressive but Wilfried also knows he has all my trust and his team-mates' trust.

"Kun is impossible to replace but we know we have another option in attack."

OBAGOAL returns as Oliseh snubs Moses for Swaziland

Nigeria coach, Sunday Oliseh, has included Seattle Sounders striker, Obafemi Martins in his latest list of 23 players invited to tackle Swaziland in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Martins who clocked 31 Wednesday, has not featured for the Super Eagles since March 2013 despite his remarkable run of form in the Major League Soccer.

The former Newcastle United striker comes in for the already retired Emmanuel Emenike who quit the national team in rather controversial circumstances last week.

Conspicuously absent is West Ham winger, Victor Moses, who opted out of the friendly fixtures against the DR Congo and Cameroon in Belgium over injury concerns.

And now Oliseh has moved swiftly to axe the 24-year-old, suggesting his discontent at the player's action to ignore national call-up.

There were places for regular suspects John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi and skipper Ahmed Musa - while  youngsters Wilfred Ndidi, Dele Alampasu, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon also retained their places.

Six home-based players who helped the country qualify for the 2016 African Nations Championship in Rwanda also made the cut.

They include Sunhine Stars goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Kalu Orji of Enugu Rangers, Sharks defender, Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo of Abia Warriors and attackers Paul Onobi and Ezekiel Bassey of Sunshine Stars and Enyimba FC respectively.

Nigeria face a tricky away tie in the first leg in Lobamba on Friday, November 13 before hosting the Swazi's at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt four days later.

Oliseh has directed that all players to arrive at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, November 8 as training commences same day by 7pm.

THE FULL LIST

 Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Dele Alampasu (Club de Sportivo Feirense, Portugal)

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers FC); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz, Germany); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders, USA).

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Golden Eaglets crush Australia to advance to quarterfinal

Reigning U-17 World Cup holders, Nigeria, smashed a tired looking Australia side 6-0 in the Round of 16 at Estadio Sausalito in Chile on Thursday morning.

A hat-trick from Victor Osimhen - his seventh of the tournament - a penalty goal from Nigeria skipper, Chidiebere Nwakali and late goals from Edidiong Essien and Samuel Chukwueze ended the Junior Socceroos run in emphatic fashion.

The Golden Eaglets out-muscled the Australians in midfield and proved devastating on the counter putting four past the Joeys in the second-half.

Tony Vidmar's men started brightly but were hit in the 22nd minute when Osimhen capitalised on a lost ball and made a surging run towards goal.

The Golden Boot candidate then rounded the opposing defender and shot across the goalkeeper to bring up Nigeria's first.

The Joeys had a great chance to equalize but Lucas Derrick's shot on target was palmed away by the Nigerian keeper and Cameron Joice couldn't put away the follow-up.

Nigeria then raced up the other end and earned a penalty which Nwakali coverted to double their lead with three minutes before the half hour mark.

Derrick spurned a chance to go for goal just after the hour and Panos Armenakas put in a decent freekick.

And despite dominating possession for portions of the second half, it was Nigeria with all the goal-mouth action.

Osimhen scored his second in the 73rd minute before bringing up his third in controversial circumstances.

The attacker clearly fouling Rowles before firing a sumblime shot into the far top corner on 79'.

A goal to substitute Essien on 86' and Chukeueze on 89' completed the rout for the Eaglets.

Iheanacho stars in City romp

Nigeria youngster Kelechi Iheanacho was voted Man of the Match as Manchester City spanked Crystal Palace 5-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday in the English Capital One Cup.

The 19-year-old scored once and made a couple in an excellent full debut as the Citizens booked a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Iheanacho teed up Kevin De Bruyne to tap in City's second late in the first half after Wilfried Bony had headed the hosts ahead after 22 minutes.

He then made it 3-0 with a composed finish - his second of the season - his first coming against same opposition in the League in September, before Yaya Toure converted from the penalty spot.

Damien Delaney grabbed a late consolation for Palace but it was City who had the final say as Iheanacho set up 17-year-old Manu Garcia to score the fifth in injury-time.

NPFL Roundup: Enyimba held in Nasarawa, Wikki Tourist displace Wolves to second-place

Enyimba International continued their surge towards claiming the Nigeria Professional Football League title with a hard-nose 0-0 draw away to Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium. 

The Peoples Elephants maintained their lead at the summit of the log after holding the Solid Miners on the road in a Week 34 encounter played on Wednesday - to take their point tally to 62. 

Skipper Chinedu Udoji led from the back as he marshaled his team towards curtailing the rampant Nasarawa side who have found a way of drubbing the top dogs in the league this season. 

At the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Wikki Tourist ensured they won't give up the league crown without a fight by beating IfeanyiUbah 2-1.   

Two goals in each half from Victor Yakubu and Uche Martins put the game beyond the reach of the Nnewi Millionaires who tried to fight back through Odera Onyiri. 

The win takes Abdul Maikaba's men to second-place on the log with 57 points, five behind Enyimba. 

Giwa FC boosted their hopes of continental football with a shock 2-1 away victory over Elkanemi Warriors. Charles Okoro silenced fans at the Karkanda Stadium when he slotted home the opener in first half stoppage time to put the visitors in front.  
Dauda Eboh thought he had earned the Maiduguri-based side a point after he equalized few minutes into the second half but Ocheme Udoh had other plans - as he doubled the advantage of the visitors.  

Strikes from Enockela Akleche and Ndifreke Effiong gave Abia Warriors a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars in Umuahia, while Fortune Oniwari was the hero in Owerri when Heartland sunk Sharks 1-0.  

In the relegation battle, Kwara United and Bayelsa United shared the spoils in Ilorin as the game ended 1-1 - a result that deemed both sides hopes of survival.  

Warri Wolves will entertain Akwa United in the last week 34 fixture. The game was postponed to Thursday due to heavy downpour which made the Warri City Stadium pitch un-playable.

Full Results

Wikki Tourists 2 - 1 IfeanyiUbah

Heartland 1 - 0 Sharks

Kwara United 1 - 1 Bayelsa United

3SC 1 - 0 Taraba United

El-kanemi 2 - 1 Giwa FC

Abia Warriors 2 - 0 Lobi Stars

Nasarawa United 0 - 0 Enyimba

Dolphins 2 - 1 Kano Pillars

Three prospective options to replace the retired Emenike in the Super Eagles

When Emmanuel Emenike decided to quit international football on Monday, his decision was greeted with mixed reactions from Nigerians - who are yet to recoup after former skipper Vincent Enyeama took a similar route.

Emenike announced his international retirement on Monday via social media platform, Instagram, to the disbelief of his coach Sunday Oliseh who revealed he was "shocked" by the striker's action.

While many football fans believe the 28-year-old who last scored for his country in October 2013 is way past his prime, others are of the opinion that he still has loads of football to offer the country.

With the 2013 African Cup of Nations top scorer now out of the fray, we take a look at three strikers who could fill the void left by the player.

1. Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders)

Obafemi Martins require no introduction to Nigerian football as he has already carved a niche for himself in the game.

His 18 goals in 39 appearances makes him the Super Eagles' third all-time  highest goalscorer behind Rashidi Yekini and Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

Martins, 30, was constantly ignored by former coach Stephen Keshi and it was reported that the player had called it quits with internationals in 2014.

But since the coming of Oliseh, the player has swiftly moved to debunk that claim - thereby opening the doors to his national team return after two-years in the wilderness.

" I never announced my retirement, as wrongly reported. I was a bit disappointed to be treated like a Nigeria outcast but it was not enough to push me into an early retirement," Martins told BBC Sports.

"Things have changed at home and if the new coach [Sunday Oliseh] says he wants me to play for Nigeria again, I'd jump at the chance," Martins hinted.

The striker forged ahead from his Player of The Season performance last year in the MLS with a much more spectacular showing this term -  scoring 15 goals in all competitions for Seattle Sounders.

Martins has had a nomardic career in Europe playing for Inter Milan, Newcastle, VFL Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan and Levante - but it is in the USA where he has gained more recognition finding the net 40-times with over 20 assists for Seattle.

But if considered worthy by Oliseh, the player will definitely provide goals, pace, better link-up play, loads of experience and leadership missing in the national team.


2. Brown Ideye (Olympiakos)

Another old-timer, Brown Ideye could likely be the solution to the Eagles striking dilemma after the retirement of one-time strike partner, Emenike.

Unlike Martins, Ideye has always been criticized by Nigerians for his poor goal scoring return - five goals in 25 games for his country - a woeful record for a top marksman .

The player has also been shut-out by Oliseh but could likely be on the tactician's wish list after watching him single handedly tear Dynamo Zagreb apart in the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday.

Deemed surplus to requirement at West Bromwich Albion, Ideye joined the Greek giants in the summer and notched his third consecutive goal in the 1-0 win in Croatia.

The 27-year-old is the only Nigerian striker playing in the UCL and could offer a different dimension to the Eagles approach.

On his day, the former Dynamo Kiev man could form a dreadful partnership with the Eagles attackers as he is well suited to holding-up play so as to bring in other players into the game.

Ideye also possess the experience, exposure and versatility to thrive in a number of positions in attack.


3. Isaac Success (Granada)

The youngest among the trio, Isaac Success is gradually developing into one of the most feared power strikers in Europe - as he remains the only Nigeria striker in the Spanish La Liga.

Success was Nigeria's vice-captain to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup win in UAE - but was sidelined for the majority of the tournament after picking up an injury in the second game.

Nigeria coach to the tourney, Manu Garba, said about the youngster after his injury:

"If I confirm that Isaac Success will play, the Swedish team will start shivering, our team revolves around him," he joked.

He also made the trip to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and scored twice in the competition.

In August 2015, after some fine string of performance for Granda, Success was handed a contract extension till 2019 by the Nazaries.

The 19-year-old who has developed into an integral part of the squad, scored his second league goal of the season and assisted two others in a 3-3 draw with Sporting Gijon on Monday.

Success will certainly bring youthfulness, aggressiveness, hunger, bite and athleticism to the national team if considered.

Golden eaglets book second-round place with easy win over host

Nigeria Golden Eaglets continued their impressive start to their FIFA U-17 World Cup title defense by completing a comprehensive 5-1 victory over hosts Chile and progressing to the knockout stages in the process.

 A goal within 30 seconds by star man Samuel Chukwueze set the tone for a straightforward win, with the diminutive Number 8 grabbing a second in the second half after he had earlier been fouled for Kelechi Nwakali's to score from the spot, and before he was felled for Victor Osimhen's successful spot kick conversion.

Chile grabbed a consolation, before Funsho Bamgboye saw his marching orders, with Osimhen's late header adding some gloss to the win, despite Nwakali missing his second penalty of the match after Chukwueze had been fouled in the penalty area for a third time.

The African side were remarkably quick out of the blocks, opening the scoring after 22 seconds. Osimhen, fresh from his goal in the opening game against USA, sprinted down the Nigerian left and slid the ball across the Chilean penalty area. The onrushing midfielder slammed home with ease.

He then played a big part in the second Nigeria goal, sprinting onto a long upfield clearance and tapping the ball past the sliding Juan Jose Soriano in the penalty area. The Chilean defender’s challenge brought down the Nigeria winger and Nwakali doubled his side's lead.

Chukwueze then grabbed his second of the game thanks to sheer determination on the hour mark. He worked his way into the Chilean penalty area, performed a couple of stepovers and, after seeing an initial shot blocked, slammed a left-footed strike past Lopez.

Chile's defense will be glad to see the back of the Nigerian Number 8, as he burst into the Chilean penalty area once more moments later and was felled again, this time by substitute Brian Leiva. For the second spot kick, it was Osimhen who stepped up, and he matched Nwakali's first effort by firing home.

Substitute Funsho Bamgboye later hit the post before Chile's consolation came courtesy of Marcelo Allende, who slammed past Akpan Udoh from Luciano Diaz's cross.

Despite Bamgboye's late dismissal, for a rash challenge, Nigeria rallied and Osimhen grabbed his third of the tournament in two games. Nwakali then missed his chance to double his own tally for the game from the penalty spot, after Chukwueze had been fouled for a third time.

It did not matter though, as Nigeria join Korea Republic in the last 16, with Chile set to face USA in a pivotal final clash back at the Estadio Sausalito on Friday.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke hailed the performance of his wards after his side saw-off the host with a beautiful counter attacking football.

"My players understood the transition game, that is when to attack, when to defend. We also prepared them mentally," the Nigeria coach said.

Oliseh, Pinnick, others react to Emenike's shocking retirement

Nigeria football community woke up on Tuesday morning to the news that Al Ain of UAE striker, Emmanuel Emenike has quit international football.

The decision according to the former Spartak Moscow goal machine was solely for "national interest" amid speculation that he might be axed by coach Sunday Oliseh for subsequent games.

"Sometimes it's better to remove yourself from an environment that doesn't suit you mentally and physically, this is what I have done," Emenike told BBC Sports.

Just like many Nigerians, Oliseh has taken the news with shock and is yet to come to terms that the 28-year-old has quit his team.

"It was a big shocker for us and a big shocker for me personally," the gaffer told Brilla Fm.

"And personally, I still don't accept that he (Emenike) has retired because, officially, I have not heard anything from him, and I don't think the federation have heard anything from him, only what we've seen is what is pasted on social media," Oliseh added.

 The tactician however debunked claims in the media that he and his coaching crew had planned to drop the striker for his below-par performances for the Super Eagles.

"He has been part of our building process, and in fact, he has had more playing time than any other striker that we've had. So I am very surprised that he has retired," Oliseh narrated

"I have called him twice. Immediately I heard it, the first thing was that I needed to get a confirmation which I called him yesterday (Tuesday) and I am still expecting a return call. So when I hear from him, that is when I will accept that he really has retired."

Joining Oliseh is NFF President Amaju Pinnick who declared that he was "utterly flabbergasted' by the resignation of the powerful forward .

"We (NFF) have not been contacted officially but I'm shocked because Emenike has been a major factor of success for the team. Players have the right to quit but I think that they should do it in a civil manner," the administrator said.

Veteran coach Joe Erico added his voice to the whole Emenike saga stressing that it did not come to him as a surprise.

 "It's not strange," he reacted. "He has done well within a short spell with the national team."

While former international, Fatai Amoo,  believes Emenike's retirement from international football  is ill-timed and a "bit hasty".

And Finally Enyimba coach, Kadiri Ikhana suggested that the decision of the Al Ain striker to quit the Super Eagles could lead to disorder in the national team.

"Two players retiring from the national team can bring disorder into the team because both were leading stars, respected by their teammates. It is not too good for us, especially, the sudden nature of Emenike's decision."