An explanation on why Villarreal teen prospect Samuel Chukwueze was invited by coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr for their upcoming games against South Africa and Uganda has been provided to the editorial team of Owngoalnigeria.com.
Chukwueze was called up for the first time to the senior national team of Nigeria by Rohr after his impressive performance for Villarreal in the Europa League this season, where he has played in all their three games so far.
His inclusion Owngoalnigeria.com exclusively gathered came at the expense of Henry Onyekuru of English Premier League side Everton, who is presently out on a season long loan to Turkish side Galatasaray.
Per our investigation, Rohr picked the 19 year old due to the difference in his style of play from the current options he has on the wings right now in Onyekuru, Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon and Samuel Kalu.
The above mentioned quartet are a bit similar in their style of play although Musa is a lot quicker while Kalu dribbles better and Simon is more like a cultured winger who provides balance between defence and attack.
However Chukwueze has a different and unique style and he is blessed with a cultured left foot which he uses to good effect in applying his pace, dribbles and incisive passes when he operates from the right, behind the striker or on the left flank.
The decision to drop Onyekuru in his favour was easily reached because from the wing options available to Rohr he is presently the only one not fully fit after picking up an injury upon his return from international assignment with Nigeria.
Onyekuru will likely spend up to six weeks on the sidelines judging by some reports but the fact that he was placed on standby in the list means the option of trying something new in Chukwueze made it easy for him to be dropped.
Osas Mahawi
