The huge task ahead of the newest Eagles’ entrant Zulte Waregem star Tochukwu Nnadi should be a tough headache for the newbie than the ecstacy greeting his invite.
Eagles’ midfield got holes to plug as well as enduring a difficult period that has not yet received presidential approval from the fans.
The last of sweet Eagles’ rhythms was sung by Victor Moses, who doggedly managed to step into the big shoes left by former Eagles’ captain Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha.
Okocha’s nephew Fulham star Alex Iwobi has found his uncle’s shoes too big but not without his occasional brilliance that managed to propel Eagles.
Numbers lacked at some point, stretching the near spineless midfield to a breaking point as even less illustrious adversaries feasted on their tame resistance to punish Eagles.
Moments of brilliance reminiscent of Okocha’s hasn’t returned, still struggling, may take some time to come, assurance hardly in sight and that’s the onerous task that faces the young attacking midfielder.
Confidence hasn’t been in short supply, his tank stores a lot more, skills equally matching, Nnadi could rewrite the broken history in the Eagles’ midfield.
Attracting English Premier League side West Ham United with a £4m carrot barely two years after storming Europe speaks a lot of his promises.
From a Dubai academy to mainstream Europe and flying with the Eagles may have sealed a Bildungsromans’ story in a book or a movie for the attacking midfielder.
His escape from backwaters of Asian football was made possible by his impressive outing at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Argentina where he helped the Flying Eagles halt their flight at the quarter-finals.
Bulgarian side Botev wasted no time and his best shots could still land him further afield the best leagues in Europe.
Along came AFCON 2025 shot to sail Nnadi on and a quick debut just before the tournament gets underway in a few days will only swing or sink the exciting midfielder in the Eagles’ ship.
A late cameo wrapped his Eagles’ baptism before the Pharaohs leaving Nnadi looking like a shooting star. It was as good as it got for the former Flying Eagle in the exciting 2-1 loss in the friendly.
His showings at Botev and Waregem were no smokescreens suggesting some more look-ins in the tournament proper. Nnadi could be on for bigger things.
But first he has to justify his inclusion with the Eagles’ midfield surgically needing attention, only impressive performances will help his place.
Based on his Egypt debut account, coach Eric Chelle could gamble on with him and throw into the deep end when hostilities start again Tanzania on December 23.
Bullish Chelle, a die-hard fan of youthfulness, could choose to start a renaissance with Nnadi, same he did and excelled with injured Benjamin Frederick at Eagles’ back four. Nnadi, here’s your flowers?
Chelle isn’t afraid to explore, to try new things, Nnadi could be on for bigger things. Perhaps, his Christmas is coming too early.
The 22-year old midfielder could be heading for the stars with his wings winging it proudly.
IKENWA ASHIBUOGWU NNABUOGOR
