"Chukwueze Should be Starting Games" - Fans Mount Pressure on Villarreal Coach Over Nigerian Winger

By Olamide Oyetunji - Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze was the game changer as Villarreal CF defeated Celta Vigo by a narrow 1-0 victory as Spanish La Liga visitors on Saturday.

The game was heading towards stalemate finale until Villarreal took advantage of the five substitutions available for each team.

Villarreal coach made a double change in the 57th minute as Chukwueze and Bacca replaced Gerard Moreno and Santi Cazorla but it was the tricky Nigerian that created the next big chance.

He received the ball out on the right wing, cutting inside to take him away from the Celta defenders and got his shot off, but it went straight at Rubén Blanco.

A reward for perseverance. Manu Trigueros jumped on the rebound after a fantastic play by Bacca and Chukwueze to send the ball into the back of the net.

The Yellows midfielder’s shot looped into the goal after clipping the defender, but it went in to seal the valuable three points for the travellers.
Samuel Chukwueze's thirty two minutes cameo was enough to aid Villarreal in Laliga return.

He was a second half substitute but created Villarreal's only goal at Celta Vigo.
Some sections of the supporters wants the manager to be giving the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner more minutes on the pitch and not as a second half substitute but as a starter.

Samuel Chukwueze was promoted into the first team last season and he showed real promises in the Spanish top flight and attracted interest from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

His exploits in Europe was recognized in Africa when the Confederation of African Football shortlisted him amongst the last three that competed for the 2019 CAF Young Player of the Year.

However, it is left to be seen if the 21-year-old will be trusted to start the next game against RCD Mallorca at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday.

As the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Bronze Boot Winner, 2018 Nigeria Football Federation Young Player of the Year and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Bronze Medalist, Samuel Chukwueze is expected to add more to his game in terms of end products with a decent eight goals in 53 appearances for club and two goal in 13 caps for country.