Taiwo takes aim for Nigeria

July 25 - Players will have more reason than usual to tremble when going into the defensive wall against Nigeria at the Olympic Games.

Super Eagles left back Taye Taiwo packs one of the most powerful free kicks in the game, with one effort clocked at 130 kilometers per hour in a French Cup semi-final.

With John Obi Mikel dropped after falling out with coach Samon Siasia, Taiwo, a Nigerian version of Brazil's Roberto Carlos, is the most experienced player in the Nigeria squad.

The Olympique Marseille player, who also makes his presence felt with strong tackling, strength and pace down the left flank, has plenty of international experience.

Only three months under the age limit for the Olympics, Taiwo, 23, played in the Nigeria team which finished second behind Argentina in the 2005 World Youth Championship.

He scored twice in the tournament and was voted the third-best player, behind Lionel Messi and team mate Obi Mikel.

Taiwo, who has said he would like to play in England, also played for the senior side at the 2006 and 2008 African Nations Cups.

(Writing by Brian Homewood in Buenos Aires; Editing by Robert Woodward)

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