Chukwueze Admits He Never Heard of Adokiye, Odegbami

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has admitted that he was unfamiliar with some of Nigeria’s celebrated football legends, including Adokiye Amesimaka, Segun Odegbami and Humphrey Edobor.

Chukwueze made the revelation during an interview in Uyo after Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.

Asked to name former Nigerian wingers he knew, the Villarreal forward mentioned only Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached him at U-17 level.

When names such as Amesimaka, Odegbami and Edobor were mentioned, Chukwueze admitted he had never heard of them.

“I did not hear of all those ones. I don’t know them. They never born me that time,” he said jokingly.

The response highlighted concerns over how much younger generations of Nigerian footballers know about the country’s sporting history.

Players such as Odegbami and Amesimaka were important members of the famous 1980 Green Eagles team that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations title.

That generation also included Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala, Best Ogedegbe, Kadiri Ikhana, Mudashiru Lawal, Felix Owolabi, Henry Nwosu and Sylvanus Okpala.

Chukwueze, however, spoke highly of Amuneke, crediting the former Nigeria international with helping develop his qualities as a winger.

“I heard of Emmanuel Amuneke. He was my coach in the U-17 national team and he taught me many things that I do on the wings now. He is a very fantastic coach and player also,” Chukwueze said.

The Villarreal star attributed his rapid rise in football to hard work and self-belief.

“I was determined and I did not mind my size or any other handicap. I just believed in myself. That is the most important thing,” he said.

Chukwueze also expressed confidence that the current generation of Super Eagles players could achieve major success.

Asked when he would consider himself one of Nigeria’s greatest players, he said that could happen if he helped the country win the Africa Cup of Nations or FIFA World Cup.

He added that he believed Nigeria had enough quality in the current squad to challenge for major honours.

Chukwueze also played down speculation linking him with moves away from Villarreal, insisting that his immediate focus remained on developing at the Spanish club.

“For now, I am a Villarreal player. I am not interested in any other club. I don’t want to be distracted,” he said.

He revealed that he supported Chelsea while growing up because of former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, but insisted even an approach from the London club would not immediately tempt him away from Villarreal.

Chukwueze also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s attacking options, pointing to players such as Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu and Ahmed Musa.

According to him, the quality and form of Nigeria’s forwards suggest the Super Eagles have a bright future and one of the strongest attacking units in African football.