Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has praised teammate Samuel Chukwueze after the Fulham winger provided the assists for his goals in Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Uganda. 

The Club Brugge ace scored a second-half brace and was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.

Speaking after the game, Onyedika praised the contribution of the Fulham winger and revealed that the combination for the goals was a routine they had practiced in training.

“It is what we work on training for, so it is a matter of seconds, you have to decide and sometimes when you decide it doesn't come but you just have to be ready.” Onyedika said. 

“And I know Samuel very well, whenever he dribbles he always looks for the first person and cuts back. I try to make sure I am always in that position and luckily today I am always in a good position.”

The Club Brugge midfielder, delighted to win the Man of the Match award, described the achievement as the culmination of years of hard work.

“I feel very happy and I cannot explain it. This is the moment I have been working all my life and I am happy that it finally came through,” he said. 

Making his first appearance in the tournament, Onyedika emphasized patience and readiness as key to seizing opportunities.

“It is the same like every other player when you're not playing you just have to keep working and wait for your opportunity and of course the rest is up to the coach to decide who plays.

“I think it is about waiting for the opportunity and being ready for whatever that comes because it is about performing and being ready whenever you are called up by the coach so it is not about I dey vex. It's about being there and being ready anytime, any moment.”

He also praised Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, describing him as demanding but inspiring. 

“It feels good because the standard demands a lot from the players, training and the game, so he's an amazing manager and also a tough coach. So he expects a lot from the players, he pushes everyone, so he is amazing,” he added. 

With the win, Nigeria topped Group C with nine points and advanced to the knockout stage.  

Adeyemi Adewale