The case of Super Eagles star Chidera Ejuke ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
In order to cement his place as both a clinical forward in the Russian Premier League and in Nigeria National Team, he has to be more purposeful.
Just over one year since making his international debut for Nigeria, Ejuke has made progress in his career. However, he seems to be finding his way back in the Russian Premier League for CSKA Moscow.
Going into the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers final bend, the major debate was which position best suits the former Heerenveen player.
Ejuke has been heavily involved in the Russian top flight so far. He is also so pivotal to CSKA Moscow's style of play as his work rate and application are a constant threat to opposition defenses but it is apparent that he can give too much of himself to his team.
Although Ejuke's selflessness helps his teammates and his club, it won't get him in the National Team and it especially won't get him spoken about in the same breath as any of the wingers or midfielders. He has always created space with his application and constant movement for teammates while also winning the ball up high and holding it up with his tremendous aerial ability but rarely got a shot on goal himself.
Ejuke has all the expertise to score goals and be prolific while also setting up teammates but he needs to focus on being a prolific scorer in the Russian Premier League to begin to establish his place in the National Team.
He had his last cap against Central African Republic and while this is his best period of form and best chance to add another cap against Liberia, there is still more to do. Ejuke is at a crossroads again as he needs to choose what is best for his club or for him and his career. However, he has time to improve the defining aspects in his game.
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Ademetan Abayomi has always dreamt of being a sports journalist. His journey began 11 years ago when he created my first sports news page on Facebook, called "Futball Galore" and from there on his passion for sports journalism grew stronger. Now, he is a Sports News Reporter and Feature Writer where he strives to add value and learn as much as he can.
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