Former Nigeria youth international, Stanley Okoro, clocked 23 on Thursday.
Okoro, who starred for the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2009, has slowly gone under the radar since his exploits at that tournament.
To celebrate his birthday, we outline four facts about the winger.
- Christened ‘little Messi’
Due to his blistering pace, tricks and flicks, Okoro was likened to Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and got the tag “little Messi”. However, since emerging as one of the best players at the cadre level over seven years ago, Okoro is yet to go near the feat of the Argentine.
- Better than Neymar, Gotze, Xhaka in 2009
Okoro was so exceptional at the U17 tournament in 2009 that many seem to forget that the likes of Brazil superstar, Neymar, Mario Gotze and Granit Xhaka were also at that competition. But the career of the Nigerian has since hit brick wall with the aforementioned trio superior at the moment.
- Plays for Abia Warriors
Okoro these days play in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for Abia Warriors. The 23-year-old endured an unfruitful spell in the Spanish League with Almeria where he was sent out on loan numerous occasions.
- Capped by Nigeria before Omeruo, Onazi
Due to his exploits at the U17 journey, Okoro was handed his first cap a year later against Madagascar. This was over three years before the likes of Kenneth Omeruo and Ogenyi Onazi who were his teammates at that competition got a look. Shockingly, that is his only appearance till date while the pair have made 31 and 38 caps respectively.
