Académica de Coimbra midfielder John Ogu could not hide his joy after making his international debut against the Harambee Stars of Kenya on Saturday in a World Cup qualifying fixture.

The central midfielder took the field as a second half replacement for the impressive winger Victor Moses.

John Ogu told allnigeriasoccer.com: ''The outcome of the match did not spoil my debut for the Eagles. It would have been bitter if we had lost. But at the end it was something I am proud of.''

Ogu has cited influential Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel as his role model in the National Team. And he had the opportunity of fraternizing with the Chelsea star.

''The first day at training, we met and talked about or respective teams. I told him how happy I am to be alongside him on the pitch and the dressing room,'' said Ogu.