Nigerian teenage sensation and Villarreal midfielder Samuel Chukwueze scored a spectacular goal and also provided an assist as his team thrashed Athletic Bilbao 3-1 away from home in the first-leg of Segunda B play-off quarter-finals.
The former Golden Eaglet star got his side’s second goal as they gained a big first-leg advantage, picking the ball from the right flank then racing past four defenders to put himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper before passing the ball inside the net.
WATCH: Former Golden Eaglet Chukwueze scores stunning solo goal for Villarreal pic.twitter.com/jqfFJhsHZm
— International Soccer (@isoccernigeria) May 21, 2018
Earlier in the first half, the left-footed former Arsenal and Porto target nearly scored what would have been a goal only worthy of players like Lionel Messi, dribbling past almost seven defenders after receiving the ball on the edge of the box, but the goalkeeper produced a save to deny him.
Watch Chukwueze's incredible run that had Villarreal fans chanting "Messi, Messi"!!!! pic.twitter.com/X38v0VQTX1
— International Soccer (@isoccernigeria) May 21, 2018
Speaking after the match, a very excited Chukwueze dedicated the goal to his benefactor and General Manager at his former club Diamond Football Academy, Umuahia, Prince Victor Apugo.
He said: “I want to dedicate this goal to my boss Victor Apugo for all he has done to help my career.
“I’m so happy and overwhelmed, it was a great outcome. The fans were shouting “Messi”, it was crazy.”
Chukwueze, who missed Flying Eagles matches against Guinea-Bissau, has been in an impressive form this season, starting the campaign playing for Villarreal’s U19s and gaining promotion to the team B after scoring seven goals.
The 19-year-old was an integral member of Nigeria’s team that won the U17 World Cup in 2015 where he won the Bronze Boot and was the subject of a transfer to Premier League giants Arsenal but the move fell through in the last minute.
He is however living up to expectations at Villarreal and he is already tipped for rapid progression to the first team.
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