Chukwueze dedicates Barcelona goal to his mentor ApugoVillarreal star Samuel Chukwueze has dedicated his goal against Barcelona in their midweek La Liga match to his mentor and father-figure Prince Victor Apugo.
Chukwueze has risen to prominence this season, becoming a regular for the Yellow Submarine, appearing in 19 La Liga matches in his inaugural season for the first team with four goals and two assists to his name.
Tuesday saw the 19-year old winger add another level to his growing hype, scoring and providing an assist in Villarreal’s wild 4-4 draw with leaders Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Speaking to correspondents after the match, the Abia State-born forward paid tribute to Apugo who during his time as General Manager of Diamond Football Academy, Umuahia, discovered and nurtured the teenager before he came to limelight in 2015.
“I’m so happy to have scored against Barcelona, they’re one of the best clubs in the world and have great players,” Chukwueze began.
“I want to specially dedicate this goal to my mentor Prince Victor Apugo who adopted me like his son when nobody knew me. He has always been there for me and really helped me especially when my move to Arsenal didn’t work out.”
Chukwueze’s performances have not gone unnoticed with a host of European clubs after his signature, despite his minimal experience. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and Leicester City are all interested in acquiring his services, but first, he will be looking to inspire 17th place Villarreal to La Liga survival.
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COMMENTS
Nice one boy, given accolade to whom it is due, it’s a good form of showing Gratitude.Kudos to Victor Okechukwu Apugo(Ngwomgwo Abia) not forgetting Leader himself, Martin IK Apugo Ceo of Diamond Academy. There is another Diamond academy chap playing for Villarrael B team called Jack Ipalebo, his next inline to blow from this team, a good midfielder by all standard. Diamond academy is really doing well.
You are not there yet just keep improving!!
Better than Kelechi Ihenacho. Am glad you remembered your mentor. Shows you are disciplined. Keep working hard Sky your limit.
Not better than Kelechi anywhere.Canyou compare Manchester City where Iheanacho broke into their team with Villarreal.Thank God we’ve got both left footed talents.Wejust need to know how to place them well on the pitch.
God Bless Nigeria,God Bless Super Eagles.We must win the AFCON asit is expanded to 24 teams for the first time later thys year(June)in Egypt.
He is indeed better than iheanacho, is it ball control, dribbling, speed and shooting? He is more talented than kelechi simple.
This young man Chukwueze, is unstoppable. Victor will be number one in the World soon, you see!!. Iheanacho has no father-mentor to take care of things when he needed such father mentor most. When one left Nigeria so young for U.K., one needs a father-like or good friend like yourself for advice, and support emotionally. One is so conflicted even sometimes confused and lonely in the new environment in Manchester, a city that is so cold, where Iheanacho found himself at that tender age. All these take a toll on him and by the time he moved to Leicester with 25 million pounds on his head, he became devastated and overwhelmed and not able to perform to optimum standard week after week for his Club in Leicester. Folks, no two people are the same. Each one of us hold on to a Life threads differently, no matter from the angle we each view it. Of course, this is just my opinion as always. Have a nice week-end.
kele and Sam are both good players. No need to talk too much about Sam. He has been showing himself recently. As for Kele, let’s not forget what he is capable of, just because he is currently off form! One problem Kele has been having is that he is being wrongly used. Playing Kele as the main top striker won’t work. He will try, but that is not his real game. He is at his best when played behind a main striker e.g. at the U-17, he was deployed behind Awoniyi, to devastating effect. If he gets his form back, play him behind Ighalo/Onuachu/Simy/Osimhen, and you will sing his praises once again.
Just for purpose of illustration:
Ezenwa/Uzoho
Aina, Ekong, Balogun, Collins
Ndidi, Ogu
Chukwueze, Iheanacho, Iwobi
Onuachu
The above line up illustrates the ideal scenario for Kele to explode. Behind the main striker, Iwobi, Kele and Sam should be give license to roam and interchange positions. However, for this to work, Kele must get back his form and confidence.
Pls these comparison is unhealthy. They are faced with different challenges, environment and opportunities. Kelechi has being on the game for some years now and has done so much for club and country. Chukwueze is a young star who still has a lot to prove both in club and country. Let’s learn to encourage and pray for our football stars (be your brothers keeper).
Inspire them to aspire for more glory!
I have faith Kelechi Iheanacho will bounce back tougher and better (He should put himself together, work harder, pray (examine his personal life) and go the extra mile to make us (fans) proud.
To Samu, pls bro remain focused, courageous, humble and go the extra mile to soar higher in glory. You have so much more to prove to the world.
May God bless, strengthen and protect all Naija sportsmen and women everywhere and their team mates too.