Tough well built central defender nicknamed “Gooch” by his national team colleagues. Impressed European scouts from a young age and as a result went straight from the US College system to France, where he spent time with Metz from 2002 to 2004.

He moved to Belgium soon after and even had a rather mixed loan spell with Newcastle United during the 2006/07 season. He returned to Standard Liege in Belgium for the 2007/08 season and was the foundation upon which they built a championship winning team that season.

He is of Nigerian parentage and as such has spoken of his desire to do well on the continent of his parents' birth. He is not one to shy away from tackles and tussling with the best players in the world. He has the experience gained at the 2006 FIFA World Cup to help prepare him for this tournament.