'I like to call him African Messi' - Rohr's ex-assistant says Chukwueze one of the best African players

Published: January 07, 2022

Nabil Trabelsi, Gernot Rohr's assistant during his time as Super Eagles coach, has reserved special praise for Samuel Chukwueze, branding the Villarreal winger one of the best African players after the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Chukwueze did not play much for the national team in 2021 because he was recovering from a long-term injury he suffered during the Europa League semifinal against Arsenal.

However, the Diamond Academy product is almost in optimum fitness ahead of the tournament in Cameroon, starting two straight games in La Liga for the first time this season before reporting for international duty on Wednesday morning.

Despite being the youngest Nigerian player at the 2019 AFCON, he was influential for the Super Eagles during the tournament in Egypt, with six appearances and a goal to his name.

Trabelsi heaped praise on Chukwueze, calling him the African version of Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.

Speaking to Filgoal, the Tunisian talent spotter said : "Samuel is one of the best players in dribbling. I like to call him Africa's Messi, which is the title he loves.

"He is one of the best players in the continent after Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane and the great players.

"He suffered an injury during the current season with Villarreal that kept him away from his team for a long time, but he returned again. He will come back better in the future."

Chukwueze is one of five previous U17 World Cup winners named in Nigeria's 28-man squad for AFCON 2021, the others being Kelechi Nwakali, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Francis Uzoho.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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