Bright Dike was named the 2009 BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year.

Bright Dike Makes International Debut With Nigeria National Team

Nov. 15, 2012

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Former University of Notre Dame men’s soccer standout Bright Dike made his international debut Wednesday with the Nigeria National Team in a friendly against Venezuela. Dike, a forward, started and played 70 minutes in the 3-1 victory at Marlins Park in Miami, Fla.

Dike, whose parents were born in Nigeria, currently plays for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Edmond, Okla., native was a standout for the Fighting Irish from 2005-09. Dike tallied 27 goals and 12 assists in 89 career matches with the Irish and was named the 2009 BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year.

The call-up to the Nigeria National Team was Dike’s first at any level. Nigeria is one of 16 countries that have qualified for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, which begins in January.

Dike, 25, finished his second MLS season as one of the Timbers’ leading scorers, recording five goals in 12 games over the final half of the 2012 campaign. He has compiled six goals in 23 matches over his first two MLS seasons with the Timbers.

Additionally, he scored five goals in five appearances with the Timbers Reserves and recorded six goals and two assists during a two-month loan spell with the L.A. Blues of USL PRO last season.

–ND–