Profile of New Super Eagles Invitee, John Ugochukwu Ogu

After U.D Leira's relegation last season from the Primeira Liga, it looked certain that John Ogu will remain with a team in the top flight.

True to predictions, manager of Académica de Coimbra, Pedro Emmanuel pulled a major transfer coup last summer by convincing Ogu to join the club on a three - year contract.

But it wasn't always smooth sailing for the central midfielder. About three years ago, he was involved in a sensational transfer imbroglio involving Belgium clubs Union St Gillis and Eupen.

John Ogu had 'penned' a contract with Eupen only for him to disappear from the club days after his unveiling. There were accusations, counter-accusations and blackmail involved in this dispute.

''I have said it severally that I have no problems with K.A.S Eupen, but with Royal Union St Gillis.

''I did not sign any contract with Eupen. St Gillis only wanted to loan me out to Eupen without my consent.

''For personal reasons, I refused going to Eupen. What I can tell you now is that I am free from the 'contract' with Eupen.

''I only trained with Eupen and the next thing they told me was to sign a contract with them. I bluntly refused because I did not want to make the same mistake I made in signing the contract with St Gillis, which is causing so many problems now,'' Ogu told allnigeriasoccer.com back in November 2010.

Football's regulator , Fifa had to intervene in the contract dispute between Ogu, Eupen and St Gillis. In its ruling, Ogu was freed from his contract with both clubs and this gave him the right to sign for any club of his choice. 

After close to a year of inactivity, he joined the B Team of Almeria, Spain . There he fell off the radar.

In the 2012 winter transfer market, Ogu clinched a move back into the big time, signing for Portuguese club U.D. Leiria.

His transformation was amazing and he was even competing with the strikers in the club in the goal charts, with 3 goals in his first  4 games.

John Ogu is a physically imposing defensive midfielder who makes his presence on the pitch noticed.  Add to that, he can also be converted to an attacking midfielder. He is said to have the best left foot in Nigerian football.

''My favorite foot is my left foot. But if the occasion demands it, I can also use my right.

''The Croatian player Davor Suker is my favorite player. He had a very dangerous left foot. My nickname is Suker and this name came up after his exploits in France 98.

''I wrote his name at the back of the jerseys I wore in all the youth tournaments I played. If you go to Surulere, Lagos and call my name now, they may not know me. But once you call Suker, then, they will know you must be referring to me,''Ogu told allnigeriasoccer.com.

The 24 - year - old has flourished in the current campaign. It was only a matter of time before the national team selectors took notice.

Nigeria gaffer Stephen Keshi rewarded Ogu by inviting him for the World Cup qualifying match against Kenya in two weeks time.

''This invitation means a lot to me. It is a dream come true to wear the national team colors. I am grateful to God that I was considered.

''I know competition for places in the team is not going to be easy. But I would give my best to justify my call - up if I am fielded,'' says John Ogu.