Ejike Uzoenyi delighted with second Nigeria chance

Nigeria striker Ejike Uzoenyi has admitted that he is desperate to take his opportunity at the World Cup finals after being called up as a late replacement.

Uzoenyi was recalled to their 23-man squad after an injury to Elderson Echiejile, and despite revealing that he would have felt more appreciated had he been chosen "on merit", the attacker is grateful for being given a chance to perform in Brazil.

The 22-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "It would have been sweeter if I had been chosen on merit, which I think I deserve. But I am happy to be given another chance.

"The World Cup is the biggest stage for everyone to play."

Uzoenyi, who was voted Nigeria's player of the tournament at the African Nations Championship earlier this year, could feature from the bench when his team face Iran on Monday evening.