• Plots Chinese move for John
• Seeks improvement of Odense goal record
• Fans want him against Lone Star
Nigeria international and Dalian Aerbin forward Peter Utaka is desirous of a return to the Super Eagles as the Stephen Keshi-led side continues in its campaign to grab a ticket for the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Chinese Super League in January this year, has since become a hit scoring 16 goals in 23 appearances, just an inch away from holding the highest goal scorer title in the Asian country that has become a new Mecca for top footballers.
The former OB Odense striker is hoping to re-enact his goal-scoring record in his new club in the hope that his effort will fire the club to geater heights on the one hand, and earn him a place in Keshi’s enclave on the other.
“I care only about winning matches,” says Utaka. “It would be ideal if my team wins and I score. We are now sitting in sixth and I hope we can finish in a better position. As for me, I hope I can prove my worth with Dalian and hopefully, my club form can earn me a return to the Nigeria national team,” he enthused.
Utaka, who left an impressive record at Odense scoring 52 goals in 108 appearances, confessed in a chat with FIFA.com that he is enjoying his sojourn in China even as he revealed efforts aimed at convincing his mother and elder brother and Montpellier striker, John Utaka to come over.
“Everything here is enjoyable in China. I feel comfortable about the life here and I appreciate the help from everyone around me – my coach, team-mates, supporters etc. I hope my mum will come here to join me next season. As for John, we’ve chatted much about the Chinese league via phone and so it is also possible for him to move here,” he added
Teaming up with his brother, according to the former Royal Antwerp ace, would not be a bad idea as it will further improve the club’s scoring chances
“That would be fantastic,” he says. “It is not about the family reunion but goalscoring work. John is a good player and he can prove that with any team.”
Apparently eager to see Nigeria at the Nations Cup next year and Brazil World Cup in 2014 especially after missing the last World Cup in South Africa, some Nigerian fans who have been following Peter Utaka’s exploits have made a case for him to be part of Keshi’s attack.
One of such fans on Aifuwa, a social network site, said: “Utaka is one of the best in Nigeria. Keshi needs to invite him in October. Congrats Utaka. Keep it up.”
Tambal2010, reacting from Sudan, however, said “C league still needs time to be a top league”
Peter Utaka’s romance with the national team began in September 2009 thanks to Coach Shaibu Amodu who handed him a call up. He later made his debut for Nigeria months later in a 5–2 home win over Congo DR on 3 March 2010 and twice in a Nations Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.
