Super Eagles coach runs the rule over Chelsea wonderkid, Awoniyi's parents also at City Ground

Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro was in attendance at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest forced Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in a Premier League game on January 1, 2023.

The Portuguese football tactician had the opportunity to monitor at close quaters two Nigeria-eligible players in Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi and Chelsea wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka. 

Peseiro would be disappointed that a third Nigerian player Emmanuel Dennis was not in action, with manager Steve Cooper deciding against utilizing him off the bench, 

Chukwuemeka is a potential Super Eagles player given the remarkable progress he has made in his career over the last few seasons but for now his international future lies with England, where he grew up. 

Peseiro watched the 2022 European U19 champion for six minutes including stoppage time after the central midfielder came off the bench to replace United States dazzler Christian Pulisic.

Recruiting dual-eligible players has been part of the strategy of the Nigeria Football Federation in recent years, with the likes of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Cyriel Dessers and Joe Aribo pledging their allegiances to the Super Eagles.

Former BBC Africa sports reporter Debola Adebanjo, who broke the news of Peseiro's presence at the City Ground, also added that Awoniyi's mom and dad watched him in person for the first time since his move to Nottingham Forest. 

Adebanjo revealed that Awoniyi Senior was excited during the game, stood up several times in the stand, and was heard scolding his son to do better. 

The former Liverpool striker proved to be a handful for the Chelsea defenders and in recognition of his efforts, he was named the Man of the Match. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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