Nigeria youth international Chidera Ejike who recently joined Norwegian side Valerenga has opened up on how he got the nickname “Nigerian Iniesta”.
In an exclusive chat with Owngoalnigeria.com, Ejike revealed the nicknamed Nigerian Iniesta came out of the blues from people who have watched him play live.
” Seriously, I can’t say how the nickname came about, because have been called a lot of names at the different places have been to. In Gombe fans call me Coutinho, some say Neymar, while few others call me Carrasco”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” They are all very good footballers and I think I share similar characteristics with them. Hopefully I can rise to the same height or even surpass their achievement.
On the number of goals target he has set this season, Ejike narrowed it down to playing well for his team , believing goals will come when he plays well and also revealed the reason why he settled for his latest jersey number.
” I don’t have any target for now. I just want to play well for the team, that way the goals will come. To me I put the team first ahead of every other personal goal of mine.
” My new shirt number is odd to people who know my love for the number 10 jersey but am settling for 40 because it is the squad number available”.
*Daniel Martins
