Samuel Chukwueze has opened up on the circumstances to led to him missing out on the Flying Eagles squad to the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup despite his inclusion on the provisional roster.

The right winger revealed that he had a difficult choice to make - either to play for the Nigeria U20s at the World Cup or to be a bit part player for the Super Eagles at the AFCON.

Villarreal had advised Chukwueze to link up with the Flying Eagles in Poland rather than traveling to Egypt with the Super Eagles but he ignored their advice.

In an Instagram conversation with Funnybone, Chukwueze explained : "I wanted to play both of them but in the process my club said 'No Samuel you cannot play both of them, you're going to be exhausted' because after that I have to join the team in pre-season also.

"My club said I need to make a decision, choose one and the pressure was for me to go to the U20. That's where they thought I would go to but I changed my mind because it was difficult for me to just join the U20 because I was playing in the league already and my club were battling relegation.

"I cannot finish that tough season and join the U20 immediately because they were already playing the World Cup.

"I told them I want to go to Nations Cup even if I'm not playing, let me start from the bench. I want to feel the Nations Cup atmosphere".

While the Flying Eagles left Poland with nothing following a dismal performance, Chukwueze was one of the best young players at the AFCON and made four starts as the Super Eagles won the bronze medal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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