New Super Eagles star John Ogu's return from injury could not have happened at a better time as his presence is pivotal to his club surviving the drop in Portugal.

This much was revealed to allnigeriasoccer.com by Emmanuel Adewole, our source in Portugal a few minutes after the ebony complexioned midfielder helped his side Academica De Coimbra to a 1-1 home draw against surprise package Paços de Ferreira played at the Estádio Efapel.

Paços took the lead through midfielder Manuel Jose following a flowing counter attack in the second half before Academica levelled from the penalty spot with 18 minutes to go.

30 shirted John Ogu started the game and saw yellow on the 25th minute and was withdrawn on 65 minutes in a tactical move as his club sought an equaliser.

"John had a great game. For the time he was on the pitch he lived up to expectations and showed no signs of one just coming back from injury.

''But he collected a first half yellow card and I think this contributed immensely to his substitution as the coaches didn't want to risk a sending off especially as they were chasing an equalizer," said Emmanuel who is a British-Nigerian professional footballer. 

He continued: ''Also, the fact that he is just coming back from injury also played a role as the coaches normally don't play players returning from injury for 90 minutes.

''All in all he had a great game and he is very fit and in form and Nigerians will see the best of John Ogu at the Confederations Cup and the World Cup qualifiers later in the year," concluded Emmanuel aka Wonder.

John Ogu has made 20 appearances (11 starts) in the Primeira Liga this season.