Samuel Chukwueze set to become the sixth Nigerian to win the Europa League (UEFA Cup)
Without an iota of doubt, Nigerian players have a place in the history of European Clubs Cup competitions and Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze is on the verge of putting his name in the history books.
The 22-year-old winger is set to become the fifth Nigerian to win the Europa League formerly known as UEFA Cup as Villareal take on Manchester United tonight in what looks like, on paper, a “David and Goliath” encounter.
With 5 goals and 8 assists, Samuel Chukwueze has had a decent season with Villareal so far as the Yellow Submarines look set to play in their first European final.
Although the winger will not be available for selection in Gdansk tonight due to injury, he will get a winning medal if Villareal beat Manchester United.
History beckons on the former youth international as he looks to join these five Nigerians who have won the title before.
- Kanu Nwankwo and Taribo West
They were the first set of Nigerian players to win the accolade. The duo won the UEFA Cup title with Inter Milan in 1998 as the Nerazurris beat Lazio 3-0 at the Parc Des Princes in Paris.
- Chidi Odiah
The Super Eagles defender enjoyed a beautiful run with his club, CSKA Moscow as they beat Sporting Lisbon 3-1 in the final at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. Odiah played all 90 minutes as the Russians won their first European Cup title.
- Victor Moses and Mikel Obi
Chelsea won their second European title in 2013 after winning the Champions League a year before. The Super Eagles duo of Mikel Obi and Victor Moses, on the back of winning the AFCON title in South Africa, emerged winners together again in Europe as Chelsea beat Benfica 2-1 in Amsterdam. Moses scored five goals en route to the final.
Victor Moses went on to win another Europa League title in 2019 as Chelsea triumphed over Arsenal 4-1 in the first all-English final in the competition.
Will Samuel Chukwueze become the sixth Nigerian to lift the trophy? Only time will tell. The kick-off is 8.00 p.m local time.
