Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze and Perugia midfielder Kingsley Michael will feature for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria at the forthcoming 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland barring any last minute decision, Completesports.com has reliably gathered.
Both players have been identified by coach Paul Aigbogun to fortify the Flying Eagles team ahead of the 2019 FIFA World Cup in Poland.
“They (Chukwueze and Michael) have been contacted by the U-20s coach and I believe they have sent their data page for processing for the tournament,” a top reliable source revealed to Completesports.com.
“Both Chukwueze and Michael are expected to join up with the team few days to the tournament and hopefully help the team achieve its objectives.”
The 19-year-old Villarreal star made his debut for the Super Eagles against Uganda in November and also featured for the U-23 team during their U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Third Round match against Libya which ended 4-2 in favour of Nigeria.
Chukwueze has been in excellent form for his club this season and was outstanding against Barcelona on Tuesday night, scoring a goal and providing an assist before coming off in the 88th minute.
Chukwueze’s goal and assist took his season tally to seven goals and three assists in 27 matches, which is an impressive record considering it is his first season in La Liga.
Nigeria will face Qatar, Ukraine and USA in Group D at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
By Johnny Edward
42 Comments
They shouldn’t put too much pressure on this dude. H
Oga Sean,I agree with u sir
I hope the objective of the coach this time is to win the trophy and not to reach the quarter-final.
I don’t have any faith in this coach at all.
This should be shot down immediately. Chukwueze should not go below under 23 squad and combine that with the Super Eagles. Two matches in June with the under 23s then face AFCON squarely.
The under 20s need to build with the under 17s of 2017.
The NFF needs to decide if they want Kingsley Michael for the under 20 or the under 23
Let them free this guy. He is a full blown senior player. The tournament is to identify others…give other players opportunity. So now, he’ll play in May-June and then straight to Afcon? Or maybe olympic qualifiers, then Afcon?
You are a sight for sore eyes. Longest time .
Luomo and Abha Fada are also contributors I have missed dearly.
@Deo longest time. I’ve been swamped for a while but have always followed event here. I’ll endeavour to contribute often.
You are the man! 🙂
This is a decision that has been taken already,so whatever we say here isn’t going to make any difference.I think Rohr must have giving his nod to it.
Obviously,three coaches of the different categories of the national teams which Chukwueze is eligible for must have agreed on Chukwueze’s participation for the under 20’s and beyond.They must have worked things out in a way he wont burn out,Amaju Pinnick too is not left out in this decisions.
Having said that,it’s high time we won the under 20 world cup after all the likes of Estebian Cambiasso,Messi,De Mario,Romario Farias,Ronaldinho,Roben Arjen,Ayew and many more were past participants of the under 20 world cup so it’s not a bad idea after all i know many people would kick against it but later welcome the idea because the people directly involved in this business knows better.
Guys let’s rise up in one accord n say no to this,the under 20 sole purpose is to discover played that will mature n gratuitie to d senior chukwueze belong to super egles not his fault but his talent is speaking for him,there r thousands of chukwuezes like out there waiting to be discovered so d coach should sit-up n search for them not lazing around waiting to reap were he did not sow (I mean no harm though)
Haba….make them free this kid. Ogini…??? His level is way beyond the U20s. Paul Aigbogun should pull up his socks and go unveil newer talents for us.
Chukwueze for under 20 world. When will nigeria learn to pay attention to little details, chukwueze is way past the u20 level, he should not go beyond the dream team level, he’s already a senior international for crying out loud
Can anyone imagine France dragging Kylian Mbappe to the French Under 20 team to “help” them win the tournament just because Mbappe is 19 years old? Don’t burn this guy out. Forget his age, he and Osimhen are mature enough for the SE. The lowest then can “downgrade” to play is the U23 Olympics team!
Some England stars still plays for their under 20 and 23 team,if he chooses to play then let him play
Thanks Charles,the likes of Tammy Abraham (England under 21)and Pogba while with Juventus played and won the under 20 world cup for France.The same tammy we are touting for the super eagles is a youth international for England.
I do not see anything wrong with the idea of Chukwueze going to Poland as long as he is within the age limit for the biennial tournament.
Bro every one in the world knows the boy is good and every one knows him now ,he his not looking for fame because he got lots of potentials which every coaches see’s , no player is bigger than any country , if the club side wants him to play for Villareal U17 he will play ,some guys just don’t know how this soccer thing works
I join my voice with others to say NO. Chukwueze should focus on super eagles and possibly help the Olympic team.
U20 Coach should scout for talents wasting home and abroad and leave Chukwueze alone.
Chukwueze is a human being and not a robot you toss carelessly. Decision!!!
It this news is true, it means Chukwueze is not in the plans of Mr. Rohr for the AFCON. I do hope I am wrong though because it would be heart breaking.
Every one in the world knows the boy is good and every one knows him now ,he his not looking for fame because he got lots of potentials which every coaches see’s , no player is bigger than any country , if the club side wants him to play for Villareal U17 he will play ,some guys just don’t know how this soccer thing works
#Charles, #Greenturf. If Chukwueze were your brother would you advise him to shuttle round Super eagles – U23 – U20? U should have equally asked him to repeat U17 ¶
I join my voice with others to say NO. Chukwueze should focus on super eagles and possibly help the Olympic team.
U20 Coach should scout for talents wasting home and abroad and leave Chukwueze alone.
Chukwueze is a human being and not a robot you toss carelessly. Decision!!!
This thing tire me ooo. What do we even gain by winning the U20 World Cup. The aim is to identify future Super Eagles. Chukwueze is way past that and is most likely the best forward Nigeria currently. The AFCON is where he should be. Very disappointed for this to even be contemplated.
#Charles, #Greenturf, #Glory. If Chukwueze were your brother would you advise him to shuttle round Super eagles – U23 – U20? U should have equally asked him to repeat U17 ¶ So if He doesn’t play in U20 world cup, he can never win World best? Pls Trash that.
I join my voice with others to say NO. Chukwueze should focus on super eagles and possibly help the Olympic team.
U20 Coach should scout for talents wasting home and abroad and leave Chukwueze alone.
Chukwueze is a human being and not a robot you toss carelessly. Decision!!!
It is a drag down on
Chukwueze and at the same time, too much weight loaded on the Chukwueze to bear. Aigbogun should be advised to seek some one new among other Nigerians who could turn out to be equally talented.
I honestly don’t see anything wrong with him going to the u-20 world cup, if he chooses n again if his club allows him. I think they are trying to get him on ballon d’O n African best player track.
#Charles, #Greenturf, #Glory. If Chukwueze were your brother would you advise him to shuttle round Super eagles – U23 – U20? U should have equally asked him to repeat U17 ¶ So if He doesn’t play in U20 world cup, he can never win World best? Pls Trash that.
I join my voice with others to say NO. Chukwueze should focus on super eagles and possibly help the Olympic team.
U20 Coach (Mr Aigbogun Paul) should scout for many talents wasting home and abroad, assemble them & teach them ur tactics/game plans. Pls leave Chukwueze alone.
Chukwueze is a human being and not a robot you toss carelessly. Decision!!!
@Gritty, read my text properly yeah. The implication of my text is he has a final say. But if he is my brother, honestly speaking Gritty, I d advice him to play d U-20 n grow through d rank.
This Paul Aigboun is such a square peg in a round hole…There are multitude of great youth players in Nigeria and abroad within the age bracket that he could discover but mediocrity and sentiments was used in picking his team for the U-20 AFCON.That team despite qualifying for the U-20 World Cup is the worst Nigerian team I have seen play football and obviously meant he has no biz managing a youth team. If Amunike was sentimental,We won’t have Osimhen,Chukwueze,Nwakali,Michael,Orji and the rest of the talent pool elegible in this categories.Let the lazy ass coach go n discover new talents for us as he will NEVER win the U/20 World Cup with this his shitty team even he drafts Lionel Messi into his team.Chukwueze should only drop to the U-23 team if need be.The lad should be left outta this lU-20 team.Paul Aigboun failed in his scouting and grooming of his team and he his looking for a quick remedy,let him go face his music at the World Cup and the world would see that he was never ahead of Finidi for this role he was handed!
Very good development. I’ve said it already that it’s best for him to join the FlyingEagles since he’s still within the age limit. Kingsley Michael will make that midfield better while Chukwueze adds bite to the attack while we already have a formidable defense. Messi was a first team player at Barcelona before he went to the U20 WorldCup in 2005. The SuperEagles for now is already loaded with the likes of Kalu, Simon, Onyekuru, Musa including Moses who is likely to return. I like him to continue his development with the FlyingEagles and the DreamTeam then he can join the SuperEagles starting from the preparation for the 2021 AFCON. #FLY LIKE AN EAGLE INTO THE FUTURE.
I associate my 100% with the contribution from AY above.
Sorry, I meant to say I associate myself 100% with AY’s sentiments above.
I believe Chukwueze should be allowed to grind his axe at under-20 and under-23 levels before being thrust to the Super Eagles for this year’s Afcon.
We have multiple mature options upfront and going to Poland and having a fantastic world cup will only go on to boost Chukwueze’s confidence ahead of future senior national team assignments.
#AY, Deo & co, you should have as well ask the Villareal coach to demote Chukwueze to club U20 to boost his confidence after playing with world bests like Messi, Modric etc in Laliga.
Chukwueze should focus on Super eagles and possibly help the Olympic team.
Mr G.Rhor should deploy Chukwueze to attacking midfield (AM) role to effectively support (substitute) Iwobi for that role at the AFCON. Super eagles need an attacking midfielder who is skillful, pacy, penetrative, highly counter-attack minded and goal oriented and who can also commit defenders to penalties (or free kicks at dangerous positions). Etebo is good but he is not pacy, penetrative and counter attack minded enough. He (Etebo) should remain a defensive midfielder and should stop wasting our set pieces. The best set piece taker for the Super eagles now is Kelechi Iheanacho. The coach and players should train and fish out an accurate set piece taker for the team. These things (excellent set piece takers and skillful/penetrative players that can commit defenders for penalties) win tough matches. Mr G.Rhor please kindly deploy Chukwueze to AM position in the super eagles to compliment Iwobi at the AFCON. Thank you Sir!!!
Ighalo cannot operate effectively without a good AM (Iwobi or Chukwueze) to create space for him. Our best attacker in the Super eagles now is Victor Osimhen (He has pacy, energetic, skillful and can commit defenders too).
God bless all our players (& coaches) and greater you I pray.
I see you are thirsty to see the young man to be a mainstay of the Super Eagles; nice one.
We all are.
Just make sure you use this same zeal in defending the winger when he is going through tough times that all players eventually and inevitably do.
It wasn’t that a long I had someone write a piece double in size to yours above in defense of Iheanacho when he was in Man City.
That guy, and many others like him, have now deserted Iheanacho in his time of need.
Regarding Iheanacho my voice seems like the sole human voice in a forest
Now they are singing Chukwueze.
Only heaven knows the kind of song they will be singing in 3 years time….
Gritty, you are on point. Nothing Chukwueze will do in the U20 that would push me to next level because he’s already there. However playing in AFCON will take him to an even higher level. We should be using this U20 tournament to discover more Chukwuezes for the future.
Doe,i still stand stoutly in defence of Iheanacho and i have written so much on this platform in his defence cos i believe this is the time Kele need us more.
Which need… Is he a kid?
If I may ask, has kele been staying back to train all alone after the whole team finish training?
Let him go back to the drawing board, watch his own clips, find his rhythm and I believe in no time he will bounce back.
It would take a lot of hard work for Kelechi to come good. Leicester city exposed him as an incomplete player – can’t use his right foot, can’t dribble or take on players, loses possessions easily. In fact, if you go back to his old matches at Man city, you’ll find exactly the same thing, he always loses possession easily. Personally, I think because of his goal conversion skill his coaches played him out of position and now he’s struggling. He used to be an intelligent player with an eye for defence splitting passes, not a striker.
Very Kelechi was known as assist King Guardiola started this striker thing and since then he has been on a downward trend. Same thing with Gabriel Jesus but because of patience coupled with zeal that is why he is able to overcome that NO9 role. Kelechi must be strong and if possible switch to a new club and go back to his preferred creative role he was known for a the junior levels.
@CHIMA you have rightly observed.Kelechi was never a 9 he’s best 8 or 10 and does it very well.Guardiola only wanted a reason to send Kele away by converting him to a 9.Jesus that he brought is not doing any better but gets his chances once in a while.The same mirage that the Leister coaches have found themselves right now in respect of Kele by imagining that he’s a 9.In the beginning of the season he partnered Verdy and created some goals for him.I have consistently said Kele don’t have a problem he only needs a coach that understands him and football.Even merci with all his talent never plays 9,he operates from mid section,create and scores goals.The day a coach statrs using Eze as 9 the day he statrs dying.So walking i know wat am saying that Kele needs us now we must rally round him.He does not have a problem his new coach said so and even said he scores goals in training,but he remains in the delusion that he’s a 9.
May God help him to find a coach that knows him and love him.
True not even a Messi can play as 9 but will Kelechi be real and revert to his creative role at least he can still score as No8. He usually plays behind Isaac success or Awoniyi yet he thrived I wonder how he will get this advice because even Manu Garba and Nduka Ugbade complained bitterly about that No9 position he has been playing.
I believe Kelechi will come good all players go through some dry spells at some point in their career. Hopefully he gets some confidence from Rodgers, his attitude during the cameo role he played in the last match was encouraging.
Kelechi has to prove himself at the club level. National team is not the place to rehabilitate people that have lost form. He needs to emulate guys like Rinaldo….hardwork, hardwork and hardwork. He will come good if he wants. He has to prove himself to his coaches…himself… We re not the one to speak for him. If he doesn’t work harder…he should forget national team and AFCON. That s the way it goes.
Concerning Chukwueze, he belongs to the national team, not U20. The U20 coach should scout for talents if he s not lazy.
Going to cities like London, nyc,or Los Angeles at young ages without any mentor is always dangerous to these young players, especially the ones from Africa.Kele can draw his inspiration from Dele Ali, Jesse lingard.