Ikechukwu Uche: Difference between revisions

Ikechukwu Uche
	Uche as a Getafe player
Personal information
Date of birth	5 January 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth	Aba, Nigeria
Height	1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position(s)	Striker
Youth career
	Amanze United
2000–2001	Iwuanyanwo Nationale
Senior career*
Years	Team
2002–2003	Racing Ferrol
2003–2007	Recreativo
2007–2009	Getafe
2009–2011	Zaragoza
2011–2015	Villarreal
2011–2012	→ Granada (loan)
2015–2016	UANL
2016	→ Málaga (loan)
2016–2019	Gimnàstic
International career
2007–2014	Nigeria
Medal record
Men's football
Representing Nigeria
Africa Cup of Nations
	*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 9 June 2019

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Ikechukwu Uche MON (born 5 January 1984) is a former Nigerian professional footballer who played as a striker.

Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations,^[1] he spent most of his professional career in Spain, having arrived in the country before the age of 20. He amassed La Liga totals of 194 matches and 42 goals over nine seasons, representing in the competition Recreativo, Getafe, Zaragoza, Villarreal, Granada and Málaga.

Uche appeared for Nigeria in two Africa Cup of Nations.

Club career

Early years

Born in Aba, Abia, Uche's career began in his country with Amanze United and Iwuanyanwu Nationale. Aged just 18, he moved to Racing de Ferrol in the Spanish second division, appearing in 24 games in his second season, which ended in relegation for the Galician team.

Uche then joined another club in the country's second level, Recreativo de Huelva, for a fee of US$300,000, and scored 12 goals in his first year, becoming the league's top scorer in the 2005–06 campaign at 20 in just 28 appearances (with five braces), as the Andalusians returned – as champions – to La Liga after a three-year absence.

In his first top flight season, Uche scored on eight occasions. Notably, he netted in three consecutive matches in November 2006 (with wins at RC Celta de Vigo and against CA Osasuna),^[2]^[3]^[4] helping Recre finish eight.

Uche joined Madrid's Getafe CF for 2007–08, mainly being used as a substitute. On 29 November 2008, also from the bench, he scored in a 3–1 home victory over Real Madrid.^[5]

Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza, recently returned to the top flight, agreed terms to sign Uche in July 2009, subject to medical.^[6] He was presented officially on the 22nd, and signed a four-year contract;^[7] in only his second match, a 1–4 loss at Sevilla FC, he suffered a severe knee injury, going on to miss seven months.^[8]

Uche recovered fully for Zaragoza's 2010–11 pre-season. However, he soon suffered another knee injury, being ruled out for another six months;^[9] his return to action took place on 19 February 2011 as he played 20 minutes in a 0–1 home defeat against Atlético Madrid, hitting David de Gea's bar in the dying minutes of the game after an individual effort.^[10]

On 2 March 2011, Uche made his first start of the season, at home against Athletic Bilbao. On the 55th minute, he scored the final 2–1 for the Aragonese – his first goal since May 2009 – and cried profusely as he celebrated.^[11]

Villarreal

In the last day of the 2011 summer transfer window, Uche signed with Villarreal CF, being immediately loaned out to Granada CF. On 17 September, he scored the game's only goal against the team that held his rights, in a home fixture.^[12]

Subsequently, returned to the Yellow Submarine, Uche led his team in scoring as it returned to the top division in 2013. Highlights included braces in home wins over CD Mirandés (2–0),^[13] Sporting de Gijón (2–1),^[14] Girona FC (4–1)^[15] and at Racing de Santander (3–0).^[16] On 6 January 2014, back in the top tier, he scored his first hat-trick as a professional to help to a 5–2 away rout of Rayo Vallecano.^[17]

Later years

On 20 June 2015, Uche signed with Mexican side Tigres UANL for €3.5 million on a three-year contract.^[18] On 2 February of the following year he returned to Spain, being loaned to Málaga CF.^[19]

On 10 August 2016, Uche agreed to a one-year deal with Gimnàstic de Tarragona in the Spanish second division.^[20] Roughly one year later, he extended his contract until 2019.^[21]

International career

Uche made his debut for Nigeria in 2007. He was part of the squad that competed in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, helping the Super Eagles to the quarter-finals.

Uche was called up to the 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations,^[22] contributing with four scoreless appearances to the eventual champions.^[23]

Personal life

Uche's older brother, Kalu Uche, was also a footballer. Also a forward, he too spent most of his senior career in Spain (they are not related to two other players, Uche Okechukwu and Ikechukwu Kalu);^[1] his name, Ikechukwu, meant "God's Power" in Igbo.^[24]

Uche made a cameo appearance in the music video for Touchin Body, by J. Martins and DJ Arafat.^[25]

Career statistics

Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Uche goal.

List of international goals scored by Ikechukwu Uche^[26]
No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	8 September 2007	Warri Township, Warri, Nigeria	Lesotho	2–0	2–0	2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
2	9 January 2008	MPFS Marbella, Estepona, Spain	Sudan	1–0	2–0	Friendly
3	1 June 2008	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	South Africa	1–0	2–0	2010 World Cup qualification
4	21 June 2008	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Equatorial Guinea	2–0	2–0	2010 World Cup qualification
5	6 September 2008	Telkom Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa	South Africa	1–0	1–0	2010 World Cup qualification
6	7 June 2009	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Kenya	1–0	3–0	2010 World Cup qualification
7	27 March 2011	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Ethiopia	3–0	4–0	2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
8	27 March 2011	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Ethiopia	4–0	4–0	2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
9	29 March 2011	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Kenya	3–0	3–0	Friendly
10	1 June 2011	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Argentina	1–0	4–1	Friendly
11	1 June 2011	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Argentina	3–0	4–1	Friendly
12	5 June 2011	Addis Ababa Stadium, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia	Ethiopia	1–0	2–2	2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
13	8 October 2011	Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria	Guinea	2–1	2–2	2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
14	15 November 2011	Ahmadu Bello, Kaduna, Nigeria	Zambia	2–0	2–0	Friendly
15	3 June 2012	U. J. Esuene, Calabar, Nigeria	Namibia	1–0	1–0	2014 World Cup qualification
16	16 June 2012	U. J. Esuene, Calabar, Nigeria	Rwanda	1–0	2–0	2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
17	8 September 2012	Samuel Kanyon Doe, Monrovia, Liberia	Liberia	2–1	2–2	2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
18	13 October 2012	U. J. Esuene, Calabar, Nigeria	Liberia	5–0	6–1	2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
19	15 November 2014	Stade Municipal (Pointe-Noire), Congo	Congo	1–0	2–0	2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

Honours

Recreativo

Segunda División: 2005–06^[27]

Nigeria

Africa Cup of Nations: 2013^[23]

Individual

Pichichi Trophy (Segunda División): 2005–06^[28]

Orders

Member of the Order of the Niger^[29]

References

^ ^a ^b Galván, J. C.; Folqué, J. (29 September 2005). "La liga de los hermanos Uche" [The league of Uche brothers]. Marca (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
^ "El Celta se estrella en casa (1–2) contra un Huelva que movió mejor el balón" [Celta crash at home (1–2) against a Huelva who moved ball better]. El Correo Gallego (in Spanish). 13 November 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
^ "El Recreativo suma y sigue ante un pobre Osasuna" [And counting for Recreativo against poor Osasuna]. 20 minutos (in Spanish). 19 November 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
^ "El Racing se impone en El Sardinero con un Zigic 'inmenso'" [Racing impose at El Sardinero with 'huge' Zigic]. 20 minutos (in Spanish). 26 November 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
^ "Miserable return for Schuster". ESPN Soccernet. 29 November 2008. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2011.
^ "Principio de acuerdo por Uche" [Early agreement on Uche] (in Spanish). Real Zaragoza. 18 July 2009. Archived from the original on 20 July 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
^ "Uche se presenta ante dos mil aficionados" [Uche presented before 2,000 fans] (in Spanish). Real Zaragoza. 22 July 2009. Archived from the original on 25 July 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
^ "Nigeria admit Uche blow". MTN Football. 7 October 2009. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
^ Borque, Pepe (30 July 2010). "Uche se perderá media temporada" [Uche will miss half of the season]. Marca (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 31 July 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
^ "Aguero earns vital win for Atletico". ESPN Soccernet. 19 February 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
^ "Athletic Club lose 2–1 at Real Zaragoza, extend losing streak to four". EITB. 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
^ "Uche sees off Villarreal". ESPN Soccernet. 17 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
^ "Villarreal 2–0 Mirandés: Ikechukwu Uche da alas al Submarino" [Villarreal 2–0 Mirandés: Ikechukwu Uche gives wings to the Submarine] (in Spanish). Goal. 27 October 2012. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
^ "El Villarreal tumba al Sporting con un gol de Uche en el tiempo de descuento (2–1)" [Villarreal down Sporting with Uche goal in injury time (2–1)]. El Mundo (in Spanish). 10 March 2013. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
^ "4–1. El Villarreal golea al Girona y pone la directa hacia la liga BBVA" [4–1. Villarreal rout Girona and accelerate towards BBVA league]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 19 May 2013. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
^ "El Submarino hunde al Racing" [Submarine sinks Racing]. Marca (in Spanish). 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
^ "Five-star Villarreal sink Rayo". ESPN FC. 6 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
^ "Ikechukwu Uche leaves Villarreal – Signs with Tigres". Media Hub NG. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
^ "Ikechukwu Uche: Nigerian striker joins Malaga on loan". BBC Sport. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
^ "Ike Uche, nou fitxatge grana" [Ike Uche, new grana signing] (in Catalan). Gimnàstic Tarragona. 10 August 2016. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
^ "Uche serà grana fins al 2019" [Uche will be grana until 2019] (in Catalan). Gimnàstic Tarragona. 15 August 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
^ Okeleji, Oluwashina (10 January 2013). "Nations Cup 2013: Nigeria pick six locally-based players". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
^ ^a ^b Hughes, Ian (10 February 2013). "Sunday Mba scored a magnificent winner as Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
^ "Ikechukwu". Nigerian Name. Retrieved 21 January 2008.
^ "J. Martins featuring Dj Arafat – Touchin Body (Official Video)". YouTube. 12 August 2013. Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Ikechukwu Uche – Goals in International Matches". RSSSF. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
^ "El Recreativo se proclamó campeón en el Rico Pérez" [Recreativo crowned champions at the Rico Pérez]. Diario AS (in Spanish). 19 June 2006. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
^ "Goleadores de 2005–2006" [2005–2006 top scorers]. El Mundo (in Spanish). 2006. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
^ Okeleji, Oluwashina (13 February 2013). "Presidential reward for Super Eagles". Sport. BBC. Lagos. Retrieved 19 March 2024.

External links

Ikechukwu Uche at BDFutbol
Ikechukwu Uche at National-Football-Teams.com
Ikechukwu Uche – FIFA competition record (archived)
Ikechukwu Uche at Soccerway
Official website

[Brother-1] Galván, J. C.; Folqué, J. (29 September 2005). "La liga de los hermanos Uche" [The league of Uche brothers]. Marca (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2012.

[2] "El Celta se estrella en casa (1–2) contra un Huelva que movió mejor el balón" [Celta crash at home (1–2) against a Huelva who moved ball better]. El Correo Gallego (in Spanish). 13 November 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2018.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[3] "El Recreativo suma y sigue ante un pobre Osasuna" [And counting for Recreativo against poor Osasuna]. 20 minutos (in Spanish). 19 November 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2018.

[4] "El Racing se impone en El Sardinero con un Zigic 'inmenso'" [Racing impose at El Sardinero with 'huge' Zigic]. 20 minutos (in Spanish). 26 November 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2018.

[5] "Miserable return for Schuster". ESPN Soccernet. 29 November 2008. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2011.

[6] "Principio de acuerdo por Uche" [Early agreement on Uche] (in Spanish). Real Zaragoza. 18 July 2009. Archived from the original on 20 July 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2009.

[7] "Uche se presenta ante dos mil aficionados" [Uche presented before 2,000 fans] (in Spanish). Real Zaragoza. 22 July 2009. Archived from the original on 25 July 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2009.

[8] "Nigeria admit Uche blow". MTN Football. 7 October 2009. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2010.

[9] Borque, Pepe (30 July 2010). "Uche se perderá media temporada" [Uche will miss half of the season]. Marca (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 31 July 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2010.

[10] "Aguero earns vital win for Atletico". ESPN Soccernet. 19 February 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2011.

[11] "Athletic Club lose 2–1 at Real Zaragoza, extend losing streak to four". EITB. 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2011.

[12] "Uche sees off Villarreal". ESPN Soccernet. 17 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2011.

[13] "Villarreal 2–0 Mirandés: Ikechukwu Uche da alas al Submarino" [Villarreal 2–0 Mirandés: Ikechukwu Uche gives wings to the Submarine] (in Spanish). Goal. 27 October 2012. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.

[14] "El Villarreal tumba al Sporting con un gol de Uche en el tiempo de descuento (2–1)" [Villarreal down Sporting with Uche goal in injury time (2–1)]. El Mundo (in Spanish). 10 March 2013. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.

[15] "4–1. El Villarreal golea al Girona y pone la directa hacia la liga BBVA" [4–1. Villarreal rout Girona and accelerate towards BBVA league]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 19 May 2013. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.

[16] "El Submarino hunde al Racing" [Submarine sinks Racing]. Marca (in Spanish). 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.

[17] "Five-star Villarreal sink Rayo". ESPN FC. 6 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.

[18] "Ikechukwu Uche leaves Villarreal – Signs with Tigres". Media Hub NG. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.

[19] "Ikechukwu Uche: Nigerian striker joins Malaga on loan". BBC Sport. 2 February 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2016.

[20] "Ike Uche, nou fitxatge grana" [Ike Uche, new grana signing] (in Catalan). Gimnàstic Tarragona. 10 August 2016. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2016.

[21] "Uche serà grana fins al 2019" [Uche will be grana until 2019] (in Catalan). Gimnàstic Tarragona. 15 August 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2017.

[22] Okeleji, Oluwashina (10 January 2013). "Nations Cup 2013: Nigeria pick six locally-based players". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2013.

[BBC-23] Hughes, Ian (10 February 2013). "Sunday Mba scored a magnificent winner as Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 February 2016.

[24] "Ikechukwu". Nigerian Name. Retrieved 21 January 2008.

[25] "J. Martins featuring Dj Arafat – Touchin Body (Official Video)". YouTube. 12 August 2013. Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2013.

[26] Mamrud, Roberto. "Ikechukwu Uche – Goals in International Matches". RSSSF. Retrieved 15 August 2017.

[27] "El Recreativo se proclamó campeón en el Rico Pérez" [Recreativo crowned champions at the Rico Pérez]. Diario AS (in Spanish). 19 June 2006. Retrieved 17 February 2016.

[28] "Goleadores de 2005–2006" [2005–2006 top scorers]. El Mundo (in Spanish). 2006. Retrieved 17 February 2016.

[29] Okeleji, Oluwashina (13 February 2013). "Presidential reward for Super Eagles". Sport. BBC. Lagos. Retrieved 19 March 2024.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{short description|Nigerian footballer}}
-{{EngvarB|date=July 2013}}
-{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
+{{EngvarB|date=July 2022}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
 {{Infobox football biography
 | name = Ikechukwu Uche
 | image = Ikechukwu Uche.jpg
-| image_size = 200px
+| upright = 0.9
 | caption = Uche as a [[Getafe CF|Getafe]] player
-| fullname = Ikechukwu Uche
 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|1|5|df=y}}
 | birth_place = [[Aba, Abia|Aba]], Nigeria
-| height = {{convert|1.71|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
+| height = 1.71 m
-| position = [[Forward (association football)#Striker|Striker]]
+| position = [[Striker (association football)|Striker]]
 | currentclub =
 | clubnumber =
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 | club-update = 9 June 2019
 | nationalteam-update =
+| medaltemplates =
+{{MedalSport|Men's [[association football|football]]}}
+{{MedalCountry|{{fb|NGA}}}}
+{{MedalCompetition|[[Africa Cup of Nations]]}}
+{{Medal|W|[[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013 South Africa]]|}}
 }}
-'''Ikechukwu Uche''' (born 5 January 1984) is a Nigerian [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Forward (association football)#Striker|striker]].
+'''Ikechukwu Uche''' {{post-nominals|country=NGA|MON}} (born 5 January 1984) is a former Nigerian professional [[association football|footballer]] who played as a [[striker (association football)|striker]].
-Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations,<ref name="BROTHER">{{cite news|url=http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/2a_division/recreativo/es/desarrollo/563025.html|title=La liga de los hermanos Uche|trans-title=The league of Uche brothers|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|first1=J. C.|last1=Galván|first2=J.|last2=Folqué|language=es|date=29 September 2005|accessdate=18 November 2012|url-status=live|archivedate=7 June 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607005226/http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/2a_division/recreativo/es/desarrollo/563025.html|df=dmy-all}}</ref> he spent most of his professional career in Spain, having arrived in the country before the age of 20. He amassed [[La Liga]] totals of 194 matches and 42 goals during nine seasons, representing in the competition [[Recreativo de Huelva|Recreativo]], [[Getafe CF|Getafe]], [[Real Zaragoza|Zaragoza]], [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]], [[Granada CF|Granada]] and [[Málaga CF|Málaga]].
+Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations,<ref name=Brother>{{cite news|url=http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/2a_division/recreativo/es/desarrollo/563025.html|title=La liga de los hermanos Uche|trans-title=The league of Uche brothers|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|first1=J. C.|last1=Galván|first2=J.|last2=Folqué|language=es|date=29 September 2005|access-date=18 November 2012|url-status=live|archive-date=7 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607005226/http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/2a_division/recreativo/es/desarrollo/563025.html}}</ref> he spent most of his professional career in [[Spain]], having arrived in the country before the age of 20. He amassed [[La Liga]] totals of 194 matches and 42 goals over nine seasons, representing in the competition [[Recreativo de Huelva|Recreativo]], [[Getafe CF|Getafe]], [[Real Zaragoza|Zaragoza]], [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]], [[Granada CF|Granada]] and [[Málaga CF|Málaga]].
 Uche appeared for [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] in two [[Africa Cup of Nations]].
@@ Line 42: / Line 47: @@
 Uche then joined another club in the country's second level, [[Recreativo de Huelva]], for a fee of [[United states dollar|US$]]300,000, and scored 12 goals in [[2003–04 Segunda División|his first year]], becoming the league's top scorer in the [[2005–06 Segunda División|2005–06 campaign]] at 20 in just 28 appearances (with five braces), as the [[Andalusia]]ns returned – as champions – to [[La Liga]] after a three-year absence.
-In [[2006–07 La Liga|his first top flight season]], Uche scored on eight occasions. Notably, he netted in three consecutive matches in November 2006 (with wins at [[RC Celta de Vigo]] and against [[CA Osasuna]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elcorreogallego.es/deportes/futbol/futbol-1-/ecg-h/idEdicion-2006-11-13/idMenu-deportes%3Efutbol%3Efutbol_1_/idEdicion-2006_11_13/idNoticia-103729/titulo-El%20Celta%20se%20estrella%20en%20casa%20(1%202)%20contra%20un%20Huelva%20que%20movi%C3%B3%20mejor%20el%20bal%C3%B3n|title=El Celta se estrella en casa (1–2) contra un Huelva que movió mejor el balón|trans-title=Celta crash at home (1–2) against a Huelva who moved ball better|newspaper=[[El Correo Gallego]]|language=es|date=13 November 2006|accessdate=6 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/recreativo-osasuna-liga-173920/0/|title=El Recreativo suma y sigue ante un pobre Osasuna|trans-title=And counting for Recreativo against poor Osasuna|newspaper=[[20 minutos]]|language=es|date=19 November 2006|accessdate=6 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/liga-racing-recre-176595/0/|title=El Racing se impone en El Sardinero con un Zigic 'inmenso'|trans-title=Racing impose at El Sardinero with 'huge' Zigic|newspaper=20 minutos|language=es|date=26 November 2006|accessdate=6 June 2018}}</ref> helping ''Recre'' finish eight.
+In [[2006–07 La Liga|his first top flight season]], Uche scored on eight occasions. Notably, he netted in three consecutive matches in November 2006 (with wins at [[RC Celta de Vigo]] and against [[CA Osasuna]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elcorreogallego.es/deportes/futbol/futbol-1-/ecg-h/idEdicion-2006-11-13/idMenu-deportes%3Efutbol%3Efutbol_1_/idEdicion-2006_11_13/idNoticia-103729/titulo-El%20Celta%20se%20estrella%20en%20casa%20(1%202)%20contra%20un%20Huelva%20que%20movi%C3%B3%20mejor%20el%20bal%C3%B3n|title=El Celta se estrella en casa (1–2) contra un Huelva que movió mejor el balón|trans-title=Celta crash at home (1–2) against a Huelva who moved ball better|newspaper=[[El Correo Gallego]]|language=es|date=13 November 2006|access-date=6 June 2018}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/recreativo-osasuna-liga-173920/0/|title=El Recreativo suma y sigue ante un pobre Osasuna|trans-title=And counting for Recreativo against poor Osasuna|newspaper=[[20 minutos]]|language=es|date=19 November 2006|access-date=6 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/liga-racing-recre-176595/0/|title=El Racing se impone en El Sardinero con un Zigic 'inmenso'|trans-title=Racing impose at El Sardinero with 'huge' Zigic|newspaper=20 minutos|language=es|date=26 November 2006|access-date=6 June 2018}}</ref> helping ''Recre'' finish eight.
-Uche joined [[Madrid]]'s [[Getafe CF]] for [[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08]], mainly being used as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]]. On 29 November 2008, also from the bench, he scored in a 3–1 home win over [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/252901?cc=5739 |title=Miserable return for Schuster|publisher=[[ESPN FC|ESPN Soccernet]]|date=29 November 2008|accessdate=31 August 2011|url-status=live|archivedate=2 November 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102065309/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/252901?cc=5739|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+Uche joined [[Madrid]]'s [[Getafe CF]] for [[2007–08 La Liga|2007–08]], mainly being used as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]]. On 29 November 2008, also from the bench, he scored in a 3–1 home victory over [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/252901?cc=5739|title=Miserable return for Schuster|publisher=[[ESPN FC|ESPN Soccernet]]|date=29 November 2008|access-date=31 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102065309/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/252901?cc=5739}}</ref>
 ===Zaragoza===
-[[Real Zaragoza]], [[2008–09 Segunda División|recently returned to the top flight]], agreed terms to sign Uche in July 2009, subject to medical.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/3715|title=Principio de acuerdo por Uche|trans-title=Early agreement on Uche|publisher=Real Zaragoza|language=es|date=18 July 2009|accessdate=18 July 2009|archivedate=20 July 2009|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720231559/http://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/3715|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He was presented officially on the 22nd, and signed a four-year contract;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/3758|title=Uche se presenta ante dos mil aficionados|trans-title=Uche presented before 2,000 fans|publisher=Real Zaragoza|language=es|date=22 July 2009|accessdate=27 July 2009|url-status=dead|archivedate=25 July 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725115741/http://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/3758|df=dmy-all}}</ref> in only his second match, a 1–4 loss at [[Sevilla FC]], he suffered a severe knee injury, going on to miss seven months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtnfootball.com/news/2009/oct/091007-nigeria-admit-uche-blow.html|title=Nigeria admit Uche blow|publisher=MTN Football|date=7 October 2009|accessdate=7 April 2010|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806221538/http://www.mtnfootball.com/news/2009/oct/091007-nigeria-admit-uche-blow.html|archivedate=6 August 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+[[Real Zaragoza]], [[2008–09 Segunda División|recently returned to the top flight]], agreed terms to sign Uche in July 2009, subject to medical.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/3715|title=Principio de acuerdo por Uche|trans-title=Early agreement on Uche|publisher=Real Zaragoza|language=es|date=18 July 2009|access-date=18 July 2009|archive-date=20 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720231559/http://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/3715}}</ref> He was presented officially on the 22nd, and signed a four-year contract;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/3758|title=Uche se presenta ante dos mil aficionados|trans-title=Uche presented before 2,000 fans|publisher=Real Zaragoza|language=es|date=22 July 2009|access-date=27 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725115741/http://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/3758}}</ref> in only his second match, a 1–4 loss at [[Sevilla FC]], he suffered a severe knee injury, going on to miss seven months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtnfootball.com/news/2009/oct/091007-nigeria-admit-uche-blow.html|title=Nigeria admit Uche blow|publisher=MTN Football|date=7 October 2009|access-date=7 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806221538/http://www.mtnfootball.com/news/2009/oct/091007-nigeria-admit-uche-blow.html|archive-date=6 August 2012}}</ref>
-Uche recovered fully for Zaragoza's [[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11]] pre-season. However, he soon suffered another knee injury, being ruled out for another six months;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2010/07/30/futbol/equipos/zaragoza/1280445862.html|title=Uche se perderá media temporada|trans-title=Uche will miss half of the season|newspaper=Marca|first=Pepe|last=Borque|language=es|date=30 July 2010|accessdate=30 July 2010|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731205737/http://www.marca.com/2010/07/30/futbol/equipos/zaragoza/1280445862.html|archivedate=31 July 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref> his return to action took place on 19 February 2011 as he played 20 minutes in a 0–1 home loss against [[Atlético Madrid]], hitting [[David de Gea]]'s bar in the dying minutes of the game after an individual effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/301876?cc=5739|title=Aguero earns vital win for Atletico|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=19 February 2011|accessdate=21 February 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628230717/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/301876?cc=5739|archivedate=28 June 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+Uche recovered fully for Zaragoza's [[2010–11 La Liga|2010–11]] pre-season. However, he soon suffered another knee injury, being ruled out for another six months;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2010/07/30/futbol/equipos/zaragoza/1280445862.html|title=Uche se perderá media temporada|trans-title=Uche will miss half of the season|newspaper=Marca|first=Pepe|last=Borque|language=es|date=30 July 2010|access-date=30 July 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731205737/http://www.marca.com/2010/07/30/futbol/equipos/zaragoza/1280445862.html|archive-date=31 July 2010}}</ref> his return to action took place on 19 February 2011 as he played 20 minutes in a 0–1 home defeat against [[Atlético Madrid]], hitting [[David de Gea]]'s bar in the dying minutes of the game after an individual effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/301876?cc=5739|title=Aguero earns vital win for Atletico|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=19 February 2011|access-date=21 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628230717/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/301876?cc=5739|archive-date=28 June 2011}}</ref>
-On 2 March 2011, Uche made his first start of the season, at home against [[Athletic Bilbao]]. On the 55th minute, he scored the final 2–1 for the [[Aragon]]ese – his first goal since May 2009 – and cried profusely as he celebrated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eitb.com/en/sports/detail/610146/athletic-club-lose-21-real-zaragoza-extend-losing-streak-four/|title=Athletic Club lose 2–1 at Real Zaragoza, extend losing streak to four|publisher=[[EITB]]|date=2 March 2011|accessdate=4 March 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402202756/http://www.eitb.com/en/sports/detail/610146/athletic-club-lose-21-real-zaragoza-extend-losing-streak-four/|archivedate=2 April 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+On 2 March 2011, Uche made his first start of the season, at home against [[Athletic Bilbao]]. On the 55th minute, he scored the final 2–1 for the [[Aragon]]ese – his first goal since May 2009 – and cried profusely as he celebrated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eitb.com/en/sports/detail/610146/athletic-club-lose-21-real-zaragoza-extend-losing-streak-four/|title=Athletic Club lose 2–1 at Real Zaragoza, extend losing streak to four|publisher=[[EITB]]|date=2 March 2011|access-date=4 March 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402202756/http://www.eitb.com/en/sports/detail/610146/athletic-club-lose-21-real-zaragoza-extend-losing-streak-four/|archive-date=2 April 2012}}</ref>
 ===Villarreal===
 [[File:UEFA Euro League FC Salzburg gegen Villarreal 10.JPG|thumb|right|Uche (second from left) lining up for [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] in 2015]]
-In the last day of the 2011 summer [[transfer window]], Uche signed with [[Villarreal CF]], being immediately loaned out to [[Granada CF]]. On 17 September, he scored the game's only goal against the team that held his rights, in a home fixture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=325238&cc=5739|title=Uche sees off Villarreal|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=17 September 2011|accessdate=19 September 2011|url-status=live|archivedate=2 November 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102094012/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=325238&cc=5739|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+In the last day of the 2011 summer [[transfer window]], Uche signed with [[Villarreal CF]], being immediately loaned out to [[Granada CF]]. On 17 September, he scored the game's only goal against the team that held his rights, in a home fixture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=325238&cc=5739|title=Uche sees off Villarreal|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=17 September 2011|access-date=19 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102094012/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=325238&cc=5739}}</ref>
-Subsequently, returned to the ''Yellow Submarine'', Uche led his team in scoring as it [[2012–13 Segunda División|returned to the top division in 2013]]. Highlights included braces in home wins over [[CD Mirandés]] (2–0),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/es/news/1880/f%C3%BAtbol-espa%C3%B1ol/2012/10/27/3482946/villarreal-2-0-mirand%C3%A9s-ikechukwu-uche-da-alas-al-submarino|title=Villarreal 2–0 Mirandés: Ikechukwu Uche da alas al Submarino|trans-title=Villarreal 2–0 Mirandés: Ikechukwu Uche gives wings to the Submarine|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|language=es|date=27 October 2012|accessdate=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308113255/http://www.goal.com/es/news/1880/f%C3%BAtbol-espa%C3%B1ol/2012/10/27/3482946/villarreal-2-0-mirand%C3%A9s-ikechukwu-uche-da-alas-al-submarino|archivedate=8 March 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Sporting de Gijón]] (2–1),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/03/10/castellon/1362931077.html|title=El Villarreal tumba al Sporting con un gol de Uche en el tiempo de descuento (2–1)|trans-title=Villarreal down Sporting with Uche goal in injury time (2–1)|newspaper=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|language=es|date=10 March 2013|accessdate=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107090334/http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/03/10/castellon/1362931077.html|archivedate=7 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Girona FC]] (4–1)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130518/futbol/liga-segunda-division/cronica-4-1-girona-villarreal_54373647080.html|title=4–1. El Villarreal golea al Girona y pone la directa hacia la liga BBVA|trans-title=4–1. Villarreal rout Girona and accelerate towards BBVA league|newspaper=[[Mundo Deportivo]]|language=es|date=19 May 2013|accessdate=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archivedate=7 January 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107070900/http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130518/futbol/liga-segunda-division/cronica-4-1-girona-villarreal_54373647080.html|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and at [[Racing de Santander]] (3–0).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/11/17/futbol/2adivision/1353171252.html|title=El Submarino hunde al Racing|trans-title=Submarine sinks Racing|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=17 November 2012|accessdate=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107130530/http://www.marca.com/2012/11/17/futbol/2adivision/1353171252.html|archivedate=7 January 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 6 January 2014, back in the top tier, he scored his first [[hat-trick]] as a professional to help to a 5–2 away routing of [[Rayo Vallecano]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/373046/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|title=Five-star Villarreal sink Rayo|publisher=ESPN FC|date=6 January 2014|accessdate=7 January 2014|archivedate=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107141103/http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/373046/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
+Subsequently, returned to the ''Yellow Submarine'', Uche led his team in scoring as it [[2012–13 Segunda División|returned to the top division in 2013]]. Highlights included braces in home wins over [[CD Mirandés]] (2–0),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/es/news/1880/f%C3%BAtbol-espa%C3%B1ol/2012/10/27/3482946/villarreal-2-0-mirand%C3%A9s-ikechukwu-uche-da-alas-al-submarino|title=Villarreal 2–0 Mirandés: Ikechukwu Uche da alas al Submarino|trans-title=Villarreal 2–0 Mirandés: Ikechukwu Uche gives wings to the Submarine|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|language=es|date=27 October 2012|access-date=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308113255/http://www.goal.com/es/news/1880/f%C3%BAtbol-espa%C3%B1ol/2012/10/27/3482946/villarreal-2-0-mirand%C3%A9s-ikechukwu-uche-da-alas-al-submarino|archive-date=8 March 2014}}</ref> [[Sporting de Gijón]] (2–1),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/03/10/castellon/1362931077.html|title=El Villarreal tumba al Sporting con un gol de Uche en el tiempo de descuento (2–1)|trans-title=Villarreal down Sporting with Uche goal in injury time (2–1)|newspaper=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|language=es|date=10 March 2013|access-date=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107090334/http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/03/10/castellon/1362931077.html|archive-date=7 January 2014}}</ref> [[Girona FC]] (4–1)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130518/futbol/liga-segunda-division/cronica-4-1-girona-villarreal_54373647080.html|title=4–1. El Villarreal golea al Girona y pone la directa hacia la liga BBVA|trans-title=4–1. Villarreal rout Girona and accelerate towards BBVA league|newspaper=[[Mundo Deportivo]]|language=es|date=19 May 2013|access-date=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107070900/http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130518/futbol/liga-segunda-division/cronica-4-1-girona-villarreal_54373647080.html}}</ref> and at [[Racing de Santander]] (3–0).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/11/17/futbol/2adivision/1353171252.html|title=El Submarino hunde al Racing|trans-title=Submarine sinks Racing|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=17 November 2012|access-date=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107130530/http://www.marca.com/2012/11/17/futbol/2adivision/1353171252.html|archive-date=7 January 2014}}</ref> On 6 January 2014, back in the top tier, he scored his first [[hat-trick]] as a professional to help to a 5–2 away rout of [[Rayo Vallecano]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/373046/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739|title=Five-star Villarreal sink Rayo|publisher=ESPN FC|date=6 January 2014|access-date=7 January 2014|archive-date=7 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107141103/http://espnfc.com/uk/en/report/373046/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739}}</ref>
 ===Later years===
-On 20 June 2015, Uche signed with Mexican side [[Tigres UANL]] for €3.5 million on a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mediahubng.com/2015/06/ikechukwu-uche-leaves-villarreal-signs-with-tigres/|title=Ikechukwu Uche leaves Villarreal – Signs with Tigres|publisher=Media Hub NG|date=20 June 2015|accessdate=20 June 2015}}</ref> On 2 February of the following year he returned to Spain, being loaned to [[Málaga CF]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35471856|title=Ikechukwu Uche: Nigerian striker joins Malaga on loan|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=2 February 2016|accessdate=25 February 2016}}</ref>
+On 20 June 2015, Uche signed with Mexican side [[Tigres UANL]] for €3.5 million on a three-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mediahubng.com/2015/06/ikechukwu-uche-leaves-villarreal-signs-with-tigres/|title=Ikechukwu Uche leaves Villarreal – Signs with Tigres|publisher=Media Hub NG|date=20 June 2015|access-date=20 June 2015}}</ref> On 2 February of the following year he returned to Spain, being loaned to [[Málaga CF]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35471856|title=Ikechukwu Uche: Nigerian striker joins Malaga on loan|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=2 February 2016|access-date=25 February 2016}}</ref>
-On 10 August 2016, Uche agreed to a one-year deal with [[Gimnàstic de Tarragona]] in the Spanish second division.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gimnasticdetarragona.cat/ike-uche-nou-fitxatge-grana/|title=Ike Uche, nou fitxatge grana|trans-title=Ike Uche, new ''grana'' signing|publisher=Gimnàstic Tarragona|language=ca|date=10 August 2016|accessdate=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816014424/http://www.gimnasticdetarragona.cat/ike-uche-nou-fitxatge-grana/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Roughly one year later, he extended his contract until 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gimnasticdetarragona.cat/uche-sera-grana-fins-al-2019/|title=Uche serà grana fins al 2019|trans-title=Uche will be ''grana'' until 2019|publisher=Gimnàstic Tarragona|language=ca|date=15 August 2017|accessdate=15 August 2017}}</ref>
+On 10 August 2016, Uche agreed to a one-year deal with [[Gimnàstic de Tarragona]] in the Spanish second division.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gimnasticdetarragona.cat/ike-uche-nou-fitxatge-grana/|title=Ike Uche, nou fitxatge grana|trans-title=Ike Uche, new ''grana'' signing|publisher=Gimnàstic Tarragona|language=ca|date=10 August 2016|access-date=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816014424/http://www.gimnasticdetarragona.cat/ike-uche-nou-fitxatge-grana/|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Roughly one year later, he extended his contract until 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gimnasticdetarragona.cat/uche-sera-grana-fins-al-2019/|title=Uche serà grana fins al 2019|trans-title=Uche will be ''grana'' until 2019|publisher=Gimnàstic Tarragona|language=ca|date=15 August 2017|access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>
 ==International career==
 Uche made his debut for [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] in 2007. He was part of the squad that competed in the [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations]] in Ghana, helping the ''Super Eagles'' to the quarter-finals.
-Uche was called up to the 23-man squad for the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970786 |title=Nations Cup 2013: Nigeria pick six locally-based players|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Oluwashina|last=Okeleji|date=10 January 2013|accessdate=10 January 2013|url-status=live|archivedate=17 October 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017082725/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970786 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> contributing with four scoreless appearances to the eventual champions.<ref name=BBC>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21396138|title=Sunday Mba scored a magnificent winner as Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time.|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Ian|last=Hughes|date=10 February 2013|accessdate=17 February 2016}}</ref>
+Uche was called up to the 23-man squad for the [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970786 |title=Nations Cup 2013: Nigeria pick six locally-based players|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Oluwashina|last=Okeleji|date=10 January 2013|access-date=10 January 2013|url-status=live|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017082725/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20970786 }}</ref> contributing with four scoreless appearances to the eventual champions.<ref name=BBC>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21396138|title=Sunday Mba scored a magnificent winner as Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time.|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Ian|last=Hughes|date=10 February 2013|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref>
+==Personal life==
-===International goals===
+Uche's older brother, [[Kalu Uche]], was also a footballer. Also a forward, he too spent most of his senior career in Spain (they are not related to two other players, [[Uche Okechukwu]] and [[Ikechukwu Kalu]]);<ref name=Brother/> his name, Ikechukwu, meant "''God's Power''" in [[Igbo language|Igbo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nigerian.name/w/index.php?title=Ikechukwu|title=Ikechukwu|publisher=Nigerian Name|access-date=21 January 2008}}</ref>
-<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/ik-uche-intlg.html|title=Ikechukwu Uche – Goals in International Matches|publisher=[[Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|RSSSF]]|accessdate=15 August 2017}}</ref>
-(Nigeria score listed first, score column indicates score after each Uche goal)
+Uche made a cameo appearance in the music video for ''Touchin Body'', by [[J. Martins]] and [[DJ Arafat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uGLhRyCZ8c#t=91 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/6uGLhRyCZ8c |archive-date=19 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=J. Martins featuring Dj Arafat – Touchin Body (Official Video)|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=12 August 2013|access-date=15 September 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
-{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="font-size:90%; text-align:left; margin:auto;"
+==Career statistics==
+:''Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Uche goal.''
+{| class="wikitable sortable"
+|+ List of international goals scored by Ikechukwu Uche<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/ik-uche-intlg.html|title=Ikechukwu Uche – Goals in International Matches|first=Roberto|last=Mamrud|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=15 August 2017}}</ref>
 |-
+!scope="col"|No.
-! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
+!scope="col"|Date
+!scope="col"|Venue
+!scope="col"|Opponent
+!scope="col"|Score
+!scope="col"|Result
+!scope="col"|Competition
 |-
-| 1 || 8 September 2007 || [[Warri Township Stadium|Warri Township]], [[Warri]], [[Nigeria]] || {{fb|LES}} || 2–0 || 2–0 || [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
+| align="center"|1 || 8 September 2007 || [[Warri Township Stadium|Warri Township]], [[Warri]], Nigeria || {{fb|LES}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–0 || [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
 |-
-| 2 || 9 January 2008 || MPFS Marbella, [[Estepona]], [[Spain]] || {{fb|SUD}} || 1–0 || 2–0 || [[Exhibition game|Friendly]]
+| align="center"|2 || 9 January 2008 || MPFS Marbella, [[Estepona]], Spain || {{fb|SUD}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–0 || [[Friendly (association football)|Friendly]]
 |-
-| 3 || 1 June 2008 || [[Abuja Stadium]], [[Abuja]], Nigeria || {{fb|RSA}} || 1–0 || 2–0 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|2010 World Cup qualification]]
+| align="center"|3 || 1 June 2008 || [[Abuja Stadium]], [[Abuja]], Nigeria || {{fb|RSA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–0 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|2010 World Cup qualification]]
 |-
-| 4 || 21 June 2008 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|EQG}} || 2–0 || 2–0 || 2010 World Cup qualification
+| align="center"|4 || 21 June 2008 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|EQG}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–0 || 2010 World Cup qualification
 |-
-| 5 || 6 September 2008 || [[EPRU Stadium|Telkom Park]], [[Port Elizabeth]], [[South Africa]] || {{fb|RSA}} || 1–0 || 1–0 || 2010 World Cup qualification
+| align="center"|5 || 6 September 2008 || [[EPRU Stadium|Telkom Park]], [[Port Elizabeth]], South Africa || {{fb|RSA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || 2010 World Cup qualification
 |-
-| 6 || 7 June 2009 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|KEN}} || 1–0 || 3–0 || 2010 World Cup qualification
+| align="center"|6 || 7 June 2009 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|KEN}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || 2010 World Cup qualification
 |-
-| 7 || 27 March 2011 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|ETH}} || 3–0 || 4–0 || [[2012 African Cup of Nations qualification]]
+| align="center"|7 || rowspan="2"|27 March 2011 || rowspan="2"|Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || rowspan="2"|{{fb|ETH}} || align="center"|3–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–0 || rowspan="2"|[[2012 African Cup of Nations qualification]]
 |-
+| align="center"|8 || align="center"|4–0
-| 8 || 27 March 2011 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|ETH}} || 4–0 || 4–0 || 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
 |-
-| 9 || 29 March 2011 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|KEN}} || 3–0 || 3–0 || Friendly
+| align="center"|9 || 29 March 2011 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|KEN}} || align="center"|3–0 || align="center"|3–0 || Friendly
 |-
-| 10 || 1 June 2011 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|ARG}} || 1–0 || 4–1 || Friendly
+| align="center"|10 || rowspan="2"|1 June 2011 || rowspan="2"|Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || rowspan="2"|{{fb|ARG}} || align="center"|1–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–1 || rowspan="2"|Friendly
 |-
+| align="center"|11 || align="center"|3–0
-| 11 || 1 June 2011 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|ARG}} || 3–0 || 4–1 || Friendly
 |-
-| 12 || 5 June 2011 || [[Addis Ababa Stadium]], [[Addis Ababa]], [[Ethiopia]] || {{fb|ETH}} || 1–0 || 2–2 || 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
+| align="center"|12 || 5 June 2011 || [[Addis Ababa Stadium]], [[Addis Ababa]], Ethiopia || {{fb|ETH}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–2 || 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
 |-
-| 13 || 8 October 2011 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|GUI}} || 2–1 || 2–2 || 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
+| align="center"|13 || 8 October 2011 || Abuja Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria || {{fb|GUI}} || align="center"|2–1 || align="center"|2–2 || 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification
 |-
-| 14 || 15 November 2011 || [[Ahmadu Bello Stadium|Ahmadu Bello]], [[Kaduna]], Nigeria || {{fb|ZAM}} || 2–0 || 2–0 || Friendly
+| align="center"|14 || 15 November 2011 || [[Ahmadu Bello Stadium|Ahmadu Bello]], [[Kaduna]], Nigeria || {{fb|ZAM}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–0 || Friendly
 |-
-| 15 || 3 June 2012 || [[U. J. Esuene Stadium|U. J. Esuene]], [[Calabar]], Nigeria || {{fb|NAM}} || 1–0 || 1–0 || [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|2014 World Cup qualification]]
+| align="center"|15 || 3 June 2012 || [[U. J. Esuene Stadium|U. J. Esuene]], [[Calabar]], Nigeria || {{fb|NAM}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)|2014 World Cup qualification]]
 |-
-| 16 || 16 June 2012 || U. J. Esuene, Calabar, Nigeria || {{fb|RWA}} || 1–0 || 2–0 || [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
+| align="center"|16 || 16 June 2012 || U. J. Esuene, Calabar, Nigeria || {{fb|RWA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–0 || [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
 |-
-| 17|| 8 September 2012 || [[Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex|Samuel Kanyon Doe]], [[Monrovia]], [[Liberia]] || {{fb|LBR}} || 2–1 || 2–2 || 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
+| align="center"|17 || 8 September 2012 || [[Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex|Samuel Kanyon Doe]], [[Monrovia]], [[Liberia]] || {{fb|LBR}} || align="center"|2–1 || align="center"|2–2 || 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
 |-
-| 18|| 13 October 2012 || U. J. Esuene, Calabar, Nigeria || {{fb|LBR}} || 5–0 || 6–1 || 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
+| align="center"|18 || 13 October 2012 || U. J. Esuene, Calabar, Nigeria || {{fb|LBR}} || align="center"|5–0 || align="center"|6–1 || 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
 |-
-| 19|| 15 November 2014 || [[Stade Municipal (Pointe-Noire)]], Congo|| {{fb|CGO}} || 1–0 || 2–0 || [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
+| align="center"|19 || 15 November 2014 || [[Stade Municipal (Pointe-Noire)]], Congo || {{fb|CGO}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–0 || [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
 |}
-==Personal life==
-Uche's older brother, [[Kalu Uche]], was also a footballer. Also a forward, he too spent most of his senior career in Spain (they are not related to two other players, [[Uche Okechukwu]] and [[Ikechukwu Kalu]]);<ref name="BROTHER"/> his name, Ikechukwu, meant "''God's Power''" in [[Igbo language|Igbo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nigerian.name/w/index.php?title=Ikechukwu|title=Ikechukwu|publisher=Nigerian Name|access-date=21 January 2008}}</ref>
-Uche made a cameo appearance in the music video for ''Touchin Body'', by [[J. Martins]] and [[DJ Arafat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=//www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uGLhRyCZ8c#t=91|title=J. Martins featuring Dj Arafat – Touchin Body (Official Video)|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=12 August 2013|accessdate=15 September 2013}}</ref>
 ==Honours==
-===Club===
 '''Recreativo'''
-*[[Segunda División]]: [[2005–06 Segunda División|2005–06]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2006/06/19/mas_futbol/1150698468_850215.html|title=El Recreativo se proclamó campeón en el Rico Pérez|trans-title=Recreativo crowned champions at the Rico Pérez|newspaper=[[Diario AS]]|language=es|date=19 June 2006|accessdate=17 February 2016}}</ref>
+*[[Segunda División]]: [[2005–06 Segunda División|2005–06]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2006/06/19/mas_futbol/1150698468_850215.html|title=El Recreativo se proclamó campeón en el Rico Pérez|trans-title=Recreativo crowned champions at the Rico Pérez|newspaper=[[Diario AS]]|language=es|date=19 June 2006|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref>
-===International===
 '''Nigeria'''
 *[[Africa Cup of Nations]]: [[2013 Africa Cup of Nations|2013]]<ref name=BBC/>
-===Individual===
+'''Individual'''
-*[[Pichichi Trophy]] ([[Segunda División]]): [[2005–06 Segunda División|2005–06]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/especiales/2005/08/liga/segundadivision/goleadores.html|title=Goleadores de 2005–2006|trans-title=2005–2006 top scorers|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|date=2006|accessdate=17 February 2016}}</ref>
+*[[Pichichi Trophy]] ([[Segunda División]]): [[2005–06 Segunda División|2005–06]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/especiales/2005/08/liga/segundadivision/goleadores.html|title=Goleadores de 2005–2006|trans-title=2005–2006 top scorers|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|date=2006|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref>
+'''Orders'''
+* [[File:Order_of_the_Niger_civil_division_ribbon.svg|60x60px]] Member of the [[Order of the Niger]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Okeleji |first=Oluwashina |author-link=Oluwashina Okeleji |date=13 February 2013 |title=Presidential reward for Super Eagles |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21450619 |department=Sport |work=BBC |location=Lagos |access-date=19 March 2024}}</ref>
 ==References==
-{{reflist|30em}}
+{{reflist}}
 ==External links==
+{{commons category}}
 *{{BDFutbol|1087}}
-*{{NFT player|pid=11229}}
+*{{NFT player|11229}}
 *{{FIFA player|290747}}
 *{{soccerway|ikechukwu-i-uche/3429}}
@@ Line 148: / Line 162: @@
 [[Category:1984 births]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
-[[Category:People from Aba, Abia]]
+[[Category:People from Aba, Nigeria]]
-[[Category:Nigerian footballers]]
+[[Category:Nigerian men's footballers]]
 [[Category:Igbo sportspeople]]
-[[Category:Association football forwards]]
+[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
 [[Category:Heartland F.C. players]]
 [[Category:La Liga players]]
@@ Line 164: / Line 178: @@
 [[Category:Gimnàstic de Tarragona footballers]]
 [[Category:Tigres UANL footballers]]
-[[Category:Nigeria international footballers]]
+[[Category:Nigeria men's international footballers]]
 [[Category:2008 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
 [[Category:2013 Africa Cup of Nations players]]
-[[Category:Africa Cup of Nations-winning players]]
+[[Category:Africa Cup of Nations–winning players]]
-[[Category:Nigerian expatriate footballers]]
+[[Category:Nigerian expatriate men's footballers]]
-[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Spain]]
+[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain]]
-[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Mexico]]
+[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Mexico]]
 [[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
+[[Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Mexico]]
+[[Category:Members of the Order of the Niger]]
+[[Category:21st-century Nigerian sportsmen]]