Super Eagles forward, Ikechukwu Uche, clocked 33 on Thursday.
The Aba-born skilful attacker is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s most committed players in recent times since making his debut in 2007.
To mark the birthday of this great patriot, we highlight five of his biggest career achievements for both club and country.
- Record appearance by a Nigerian in La Liga
Ike Uche has spent a large chunk of his career in Spain featuring for seven top sides including Villarreal and Malaga. In about 13 years in the Primera Division, the Nigerian racked up over 300 appearances – the most by any Nigerian – beating Mutiu Adepoju with 175.
- Fourth Super Eagles all-time goalscorer
For the national team, Uche’s goalscoring prowess has never been in doubt. With 19 goals in 46 caps, the Gimnàstic de Tarragona striker currently playing in the Spanish Segunda División, is Nigeria’s fourth all-time leading marksman. He sits behind Rashidi Yekini (37), Segun Odegbami (22) and Yakubu Aiyegbeni (21) and far ahead greats like Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu.
- Second African top scorer in La Liga
Only Barcelona legend, Samuel Eto’o, with 135 has scored more goals than Uche in the Spanish top flight. The Nigerian with 103 strikes is Africa’s second most lethal forward in La Liga history while ex-Mali star, Frederic Kanoute, is third with 89 strikes.
- Spanish Segunda winner
Uche has been phenomenal individually but achieved not much with his teammates. His only trophy was the Pichichi Trophy he won in the Segunda Division while with Villarreal in 2006.
- African champion
Aside being his country’s fourth all-time top scorer, Uche was part of the squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
