Soldier Sodje is on the march

attention!!

Efe Sodje's trademark bandana has already brought him recognition on the Nigerian terraces. "Aah soldier!" was the cry that rang out when Nigeria took on Paraguay, although this was sometimes in exasperation for the makeshift right back.

If Sodje had looked out of place when he made that substitute appearance, he was certainly not out of his depth when he started in the same position against Scotland in the Super Eagles 2-1 victory. The World Cup beckons as new coach Festus Onigbinde, made a point of congratulating him on his performance in Aberdeen.

'I was happy after the Paraguay game, and very happy tonight,' said Sodje at the team hotel. 'The coach told me "Well done" and I'm just hoping to make it.'

The World Cup with Nigeria might make up for a disappointing season with Crewe which ended in relegation to the Nationwide League Second Division

Sodje has taken a route to the World Cup that few can match. He had trials at Millwall and Wimbledon with no reward before ending up at Crew via Stevenage Borough, Macclesfield Town, Luton Town and a loan spell at Colchester.

He was born in London and only moved to Nigeria with the family when he was eight. The 29 year old only decided to have a go in English football after playing for Invincible Leopards and Steel Pioneers.

Sodje made his Nigeria debut against Eritrea in 2000, played against Zambia, then dropped out of the reckoning until the change of coach a few weeks ago.

His Nigerian debut came against Eritrea in 2000 and he followed this up with another game against Zambia. Sodje did well enough to get in the squad for the African Cup of Nations in 2000, but he didn't get a game and dropped out of the reckoning until Onigbinde took charge.
As for that distinctive bandana, it was his mother who persuaded him to wear it as a lucky charm.

Next up is the Republic of Ireland and Sodje knows that if selected for that game the plane for the Far East will a certainty. It will also give him a chance to show Ireland manager Mick McCarthy what he missed when he rejected him all those years ago at Millwall.

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