The Nigerian was in action for 84 minutes and was replaced by Pablo Fornals.

Mayer, a member of Arsenal's Invincible team, was a studio analyst for La Liga TV and the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations winner insisted that the club must hold on to the talented Nigerian.

"When you're winning the games, the momentum is there. They (Villarreal) were very good. They scored a quick goal and they managed to score the second and third goals," Meyer stated.

The Nigerian scored when both sides played out a 2-2 draw  on 11 November 2018.

"They're now above Celta Vigo (who are in 18th place with 25 points) and if they manage to keep Ekambi and Gerrard Moreno also Santi Cazorla and Samuel Chukwueze, they can do something different.

Responding to questions from the lady presenter on the return of Chukwueze to the starting line up, Mayer spoke in glowing terms about the hugely gifted squad at the disposal of head coach Javi Calleja.

"Having players who can come off the bench and help the team is a fantastic news for the manager.

"It's a fantastic Villarreal team and they have quality that can help when you have problems. Hopefully they will be out of the relegation by the end of the season," the one-time midfielder turned defender stressed.

Chukwueze is not in Gernot Rohr's team for the Super Eagles' matches against Seychelles and Egypt.

Izuchukwu Okosi