A former Albion player could stand between England and World Cup success.

Emeka Ifejiagwa has been selected for the Nigeria squad that will face Sven Goran Eriksson's lads in their final Group F game in Japan But Brian Horton, the former Seagulls boss who took the central defender on loan from Charlton four years ago, reckons Ifejiagwa and the Super Eagles will be grounded on June 12 in Osaka.

Nigeria have an impressive World Cup history. They made the second phase in the United States in 1994 an emulated that achievement four years later in France.

Their present day stars include midfielder Jay Jay Okocha and, of course, Arsenal striker Kanu.

But Horton is confident England can prevent the Africans from reaching the second stage again.

He said: "I don't want Emeka to help scupper England's chances. I don't think he will. England are a good side. They have a lot of talent and enough to beat Nigeria."

Ifejiagwa's success does not surprise Horton. He said: "To be honest, I have lost touch with him. I had no idea he had made the squad. But I always knew he had the potential. He was a big, strong kid and very promising.

"Besides his physical presence, he could play a good all round game. It looks like I unearthed a gem as he has made the World Cup."

The 6ft.3in 13-stone defender arrived at The Seagulls when they were without a home following the sale of The Goldstone and struggling in Division Three.

But during his brief spell, Albion climbed from 23rd to 16th and he helped set a club record.

Ifejiagwa, who played alongside Ross Johnson at the centre of defence, scored on his debut with a header at Barnet on October 24, 1998, in the second match of a record-breaking sequence of five consecutive away wins.

The 24-year-old then helped secure a second successive win with a 3-2 'home' victory against Hartlepool. Horton said: "I was at a Charlton reserve game and spotted him. He was a good defender and I asked if I could take him on loan.

"I knew there was no chance of me signing Emeka on a permanent basis because Charlton rated him very highly. They wanted to keep him and nurture him for the first team.

"They thought he would gain useful experience by playing first team football with Albion.

"He made an instant impression for Albion with his goal, which is what everyone remembers him for."

But Ifejiagwa's English sojourn came to an abrupt halt when he ran into work permit problems with the home office.

A six-month visitors' visa ran out but he was allowed to carry on living in England until the home office decided he would not be allowed a permit.

Horton said: "He had to leave the country in the end.

"It was Charlton's problem because they were his employers, but the timing was a shame for us because he was only halfway through his loan period."

He quickly became a fans' favourite. Liz Costa, of the Albion Supporters Club, said at the time: "Emeka was a breath of fresh air to the club and kick-started our recovery. He only played for us twice but we liked what we saw. I think he could have been a star. It's such a shame."

Ifejiagwa joined Osasuna in Spain before moving to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga in Germany, where he still plays.

Horton feels victory over Ifejiagwa's Nigeria will secure England's place in the second phase in the Group Of Death, which also includes Sweden and Argentina.

But he is concerned about the opening game against Sweden, who have included Celtic marksman Henrik Larsson and Arsenal FA Cup hero Freddie Ljungberg in a strong squad.

He said: "Beating Sweden will get us on the way and I think we will get a draw with Argentina."

Horton believes winning the Cup could be beyond England.

He said: "In players like Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard they've got some terrific youngsters but this World Cup has come to soon for many of them.

"It would have been good to include players like Tony Adams and Alan Shearer to add balance and experience. But Tony is 35 and Alan made his decision to step down from the international scene.

"England players will make a bigger impact at the next World Cup."