Regarded by many as the future of Nigerian football, Julius Aghahowa first came to prominence after starring for the 'Super Eagles' during the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1999.

Though the host team disappointed, failing to go past the quarter-finals, Aghahowa had done enough to win his first senior cap against Morocco less than a year later.

The striker netted three goals at the 2000 Nations Cup including a game-saving effort against Senegal in the quarter-final.

He continued at the next edition of the championship in Mali in February, emerging as top scorer with three goals.

Has become renowned for spectacular goal celebrations - a sequence of six or seven perfect backflips.