Friendly: Eagles vs Scotland: Nigerian-born striker, Ikechi Anya, ready to pounce on Eagles

Posted by admin Headlines, Soccer, Sports Sunday, May 25th, 2014

On May 28 when Brazil 2014 World Cup bound Super Eagles square up against Scotland in a tune-up match at Craven Cottage in London, one player that will be ready to wreck the Nigerian ship in the colours of the Tartan Army is Nigerian-born striker, Ikechi Anya.

The Watford winger was named in the Scottish squad by coach Gordon Strachan after the 25 year old instantly established himself as a firm favourite with the Tartan Army after he marked his first international start with a stunning performance and goal in a World Cup qualifying win over Macedonia.

Anya could have played for England, Nigeria or Romania but former England manager Glenn Hoddle who guided him from youth push him to playing for Scotland.

Hoddle revealed: “When Ikechi left our academy and joined Sevilla we contacted the Scottish Football Association and told them that their Under-21 boss should have a look at him, but I don’t think they did.

“I actually thought Ikechi was good enough to play for Scotland’s Under-21s when he was still at our academy before he signed pro forms again because he was that good. I was a little bit disappointed for Ikechi at the time but I guess he is now making up for lost time.

“If Scotland had involved him earlier then he would have been a lot more experienced in international football than he is just now.

“It is a shame in some ways but at the same time I’m glad he persisted and is now making his mark for Scotland.”It is also good for Scotland because he is a very good player who could quite easily have gone on to represent Romania or Nigeria and he also qualifies to play for England.”

Hoddle still keeps in regular contact with Anya and has already congratulated him on his first international strike.

“I saw Ikechi’s goal,” added Hoddle. “I texted him after the game and he sent me one back saying thank you for all the help we gave him at the academy. I am very proud of him.” wp_posts