Ex-Super Eagles LB Udeze Lauds German-Based Jamilu Collins, Reveals Roberto Carlos Influence

The new kid on the block was in action in the double headers and Udeze who was in Nigeria's team to the 2002 and 2004 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Mali and Tunisia respectively spoke on Brila FM on Wednesday on his opinion about Collins's value to the team.

"I want to see how Collins contributes joining the attack. His recovery rate when the team lose the ball is good because that's what I look out for," Udeze said.

"I will give him a 7/10 for his performances against Libya. He has a lot of potential but has not showed all his qualities because he is still new in the team so has to build his confidence. Its not easy to wear the green and white jerseys of the Nigerian national team.

"Collins's role model, according to him, is Real Madrid and Brazil's Marcelo. People say the present players need to watch our videos, former Super Eagles left backs like Celestine Babayaro, Ben Iroha and myself but that's the present player he is watching. Roberto Carlos was my own role model during my playing days.

On the areas that the young left back needs to improve upon, the onetime West Brom of England and Greece's PAOK defender noted:

"The way you play for your club is different from the national team. He needs to work on his speed and tackling, they are very key."

Barring any injury Collins is expected to be part of the Super Eagles to face South Africa in November.

Izuchukwu Okosi