Flying Eagles call for Danny

Young Charlton striker Danny Uchechi has been called up by Nigeria for the second leg of their African Youth Championships 2009 qualifier against Senegal.

Danny Uchechi with his winning medal from the Intercontinental U23 Championship

The match will take place in Dakar, Senegal, on July 13th, with Nigeria taking a 2-0 lead into the game from the first leg as they continue their bid to reach the final tournament in Rwanda next year.

Second-half goals from substitutes Balaji Oseni and Kabir Akinsola ensured Nigeria's Flying Eagles secured the first-leg win over Senegal.

Uchechi will be hoping a good performance for his country could lead to an inclusion in Nigeria's squad for the forthcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The pacy marksman did his bid no harm by shining for Nigeria as they won the Intercontinental U23 Championships in Malaysia in May.

The starlet, born in Nigeria's Abia State, made his international bow as a substitute in the opening fixture against the Republic of Ireland, which the Super Eagles won 3-1 in temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius.

Further impressive displays from the bench in the next two games, including the winning of a penalty against Iraq, saw Uchechi installed in the starting line-up for the semi-final against Chile, where a fine performance saw him take the man of the match award.

The 18-year-old then started the final against pre-tournament favourites Australia, completing the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 victory to taste international glory for the first time.

Uchechi, who hit 18 goals in U18 and reserve team football for Charlton last term, said afterwards: "It was a different experience but a good one and I've learnt a lot from the tournament.

"The football was different and, with respect, it was more mature than playing on a Saturday for Charlton's U18s. It was a lot more physical and technical, and you needed to be fully focused the whole time.

"At this time in my life it is the biggest honour ever. Getting called up for the U23s and then actually making my debut and wearing the shirt was a dream come true.

"I was hoping to play but I didn't expect to play as much as I did. I thought I might get a couple of spells on the pitch, but to actually come on as a substitute in two games and then to play two 90-minute matches in the semi-final and final was amazing.

"The coach was pleased with the way I played and that helped me settle down. That made me realise there was nothing to be scared of and that I should just go out and play my natural game. Luckily, he loved it and to get a winners' medal in my first international tournament is the stuff of dreams."