'I know Sancho' - Legia ace Oyedele labels Man Utd loanee 'great player' ahead of Chelsea clash

Super Eagles-eligible defensive midfielder Maxi Oyedele was on media duties on Wednesday, on the eve of Legia Warsaw's UEFA Conference League quarterfinal clash against Chelsea. 

Oyedele played in two competitive matches for Poland's senior national team in 2024 but remains eligible to wear the colours of Nigeria, as he still an U21 player.

The 20-year-old has a Polish mother and Nigerian father but was born and raised in Salford, a city close to Manchester.

Last August, he departed Manchester United for good after twelve years of service, joining Polish powerhouse Legia Warsaw on a three-year contract.

In the past, Oyedele had the opportunity to train with Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho during their time together at Manchester United.

Sancho, who is managed by a Nigerian agent, joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, with an obligation to make the move permanent at the end of the 2024-2025 season.

In quotes relayed by Legia's official website, Oyedele stated: "I know Jadon Sancho, who I trained with at Manchester United. He's a great player and a great person.

"From what I know of him, he's a player of great talent and quality. I think he can get back to the top level.

"I am focused on playing in Legia. We have to reach the maximum level to meet this challenge. Our goal is to win this match tomorrow."

Oyedele, who has been gaining valuable experience in European competition, knows how important the match against Chelsea is—not only for himself but for the entire Legia Warsaw squad and coaching staff.

"It's definitely a special and unique match for me, but also for our whole team, the coaching staff.

"We're playing against a Premier League opponent, that fact alone is special. I'm excited and ready to play. 

"You can't be unprepared when you play against an opponent like that. I've also sent a signal to the coach that I'm ready."

Oyedele has appeared in three games in the UEFA Conference League and has an assist to his name, which came against Molde last month.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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