'I'd like to play more' - Ejuke sends message to Eguavoen ahead of showdown vs Ghana

Published: February 09, 2022

CSKA Moscow dribbling sensation Chidera Ejuke has sent a message to Augustine Eguavoen before next month's crucial 2022 World Cup playoff matches with regional rivals Ghana, saying he would like to be given more playing opportunities with the national team.

Eguavoen sang the praises of Ejuke in the weeks leading up to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and it was thought the winger was going to play a key role for the Super Eagles in Cameroon but he ended up making just one start in a dead rubber clash against Guinea Bissau.

He was a shock omission from the matchday 23 as the Super Eagles suffered a 1-0 loss to Tunisia in the round of sixteen, a decision that would come back to haunt Eguavoen as a creative player with the ability to go past opponents was needed to break down the north Africans' resolute defence.

The crowd-pleaser is aiming to force his way into the starting lineup in future matches, starting from the upcoming games against the Black Stars.

Asked how he spent his time with the Super Eagles at AFCON 2021, Ejuke said to Sport 24 : "For the first time I went to a major tournament with Nigeria, this is a great experience - I would like to repeat it.

"The coaching staff did not give me much time, in three matches I was included in the starting lineup only once.

"I would like to play more, but not bad for the first time, and next time I will be better prepared for the national team.

"Qualifiers for the World Cup are ahead, where we will play with Ghana. I hope everything will turn out in our favor, and in 2022 we will go to Qatar. And in 2023, the African Cup of Nations will again be held."

Ejuke has earned eight caps for the Super Eagles since making his international debut in a friendly against Tunisia in October 2020.

Igho Kingsley

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