Eagles 23-man list: Amuneke hails Chukwueze’s inclusion

Emmaunel Amuneke has hailed the inclusion of Villarreal wonder-kid, Samuel Chukwueze in the Super Eagles ahead of the crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against South Africa, SportingLife.ng can report.

The 19-year-old, who impressed for the Yellow Submarine B side last season has continued to grow in stature this term in the Europa League following promotion to the A squad and was instrumental in their last game, creating an assist in a 5-0 whitewash of Rapid Wien.

Chukwueze played under Amuneke at the 2015 U-17 world Cup alongside in-form Victor Osimhen and while the Royal Charleroi SC of Belgium forward picked up the golden boot and best player award, the Villarreal winger was voted the third best player of the tournament.

‘Good he has earned a call to the national team. I’m proud and happy for him,’ Amuneke told SportingLife.ng.

‘He has a long way to go in his professional career and must not be put under a lot of pressure at this early stage because he is an incredible talent.

‘For him to pick the third best player award at the world cup was not a small thing and he has been progressing very well in Spain. He is a good player and I wish him all the best.’

Chukwueze is expected to make his first senior appearance for Nigeria when the Super Eagles play South Africa in Johannesburg on November 17 and three days later against the Cranes of Uganda at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Read Also: Osimhen returns to Eagles for South Africa

Nigeria are currently on top of Group E in the race to qualify for Cameroon 2019 with nine points with South Africa in second spot with eight points while Libya sit third with four points and minnows Seychelles are bottom of the group with just a point.