SC Heerenveen winger Chidera Ejike has named retired Nigeria international Austin Okocha, Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar and Real Madrid superstar Eden Hazard among his footballing idols.

Ranked one of the top dribblers in the Dutch Eredivisie this season, he has the end product to match his skills, scoring 6 goals in 14 matches and he is the joint top scorer for SC Heerenveen after 15 matches in the division.

Speaking about his footballing idols, Ejike said : ''I have a lot of football professionals that I love to watch, the likes of Neymar and Hazard - speedy and dribbling wingers that are very good.

''They are top, top in the profession. Those guys I watch them play.

''In the Nigerian Super Eagles, I have always had Jay Jay Okocha as my favourite, he is the player I love to watch because of his skills and tricks.

''He is a legend and he is very good in his trade.''

Before sealing a transfer to Vålerenga in 2017, Ejike had attracted interest from English champions Manchester City and underwent trials with European champions Liverpool.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel