PETER UTAKA Rejected National Team Call

According to a very reputable source in China, coach Stephen Keshi did consider Peter Utaka for invitation in last weekend's game against Liberia.

But the Dalian Aerbin in-form forward rejected the offer because he was not guaranteed a stating shirt by the former New Nigerian Bank libero, the report from China said.

China newspaper, The Peninsula Morning - Haili Network, reported on Tuesday that Utaka traveled to Nigeria during the international break, not to answer the call of Stephen Keshi, but to visit his mother.

The ex OB Odense hitman is now back in China and has resumed training with Dalian Aerbin, who are preparing to face Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday in the Super League.

Peter Utaka has been very outstanding this season, netting 12 goals in 10 consecutive matches in China's top flight. He is the  second highest goalscorer in the league with 16 strikes in 23 games.