As Antwerp secured a sensational 3-2 victory over Spanish football giants Barcelona last night, Chidela Ejuke’s dribbling came into its own in an astonishing performance that was one of the unforgettable highlights of the match. I demonstrated it.
Against Xavis Barcelona, Ejuku completed an impressive 9 out of 11 dribbles, created 3 chances, the most of any player on the pitch, and won 12 duels, the most of any player on the pitch. did.
Despite the victory, debutant Antwerp were eliminated from Europe’s most important competition.
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However, Ejuku’s outstanding performance has sparked discussions about his possible inclusion in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
However, this exciting winger’s outstanding performance was not an isolated incident, but rather the culmination of Ejuk’s consistent excellence in recent matches.
After struggling to adapt to his new surroundings in Antwerp on a free transfer from CSKA Moscow, Ejuk joined Marco van Bommel’s team.
The former Heerenveen star was a terror for opposition defenders, scoring three goals in his last five games.
Ijuk completed the most dribbles (5) and created a further 5 chances against OH Leuven. He again completed his most dribbles and capped his performance with a goal against Brugge.
The 25-year-old also won the Goal of the Month award with his sensational goal in the league against Sint-Truiden, and his stunning goal in the Belgian Cup come-from-behind victory over Sporting Charleroi. I did.
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Ijuku uses his dribbling to unbalance the defense, creates opportunities for strikers at will, and has an eye for scoring goals. There is no doubt that the former Hertha Berlin loanee will be a great addition for the Super Eagles.
The question now, however, is whether Portuguese tactician Peceiro, who is in charge of the Super Eagles, considers this recent brilliance enough to justify Ejuke’s return to the national team.
Ejukwu was part of the Super Eagles squad during the 2021 AFCON, but his absence from Peseiro’s selection has caused little excitement since the Portuguese coach took over in May 2022. not.
However, the timing of Ejuku’s revival is questionable. Has his fine form come too late for Peseiro to be considered in his 27-man AFCON squad?
One of the biggest challenges for Peseiro is the imbalance within the squad due to an oversupply of strikers and a lack of creative midfielders.
Alex Iwobi is in good form at Fulham, but there is no plan B if the former Arsenal player is injured or suspended.
With players like Nantes’ Moses Simon and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, the left position looks safe. However, there is a noticeable gap on the right flank, especially as he has no viable replacement for AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze.
The focus here is on Ijuku, who is versatile and can play as either a right winger or a left winger.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella has been tested for a right-sided role, but the former Burnley star has spent more time on the bench than on the pitch in Germany, making Ejuku a more attractive option for Peseiro. It has become.
The Antwerp winger’s unpredictable playing style and consistent contribution could fill the creativity gap for the Super Eagles and make him a realistic choice for the right wing position.
As AFCON approaches, Peceiro faces the challenge of assembling a team that harmonizes talent and addresses existing imbalances.
With Ijukwu’s name emerging in discussions, the decision on whether to include him in the Super Eagles’ AFCON squad will be important and could reshape the team’s dynamics in pursuit of continental glory. There is a gender.
