Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr and Flying Eagles manager Paul Aigbogun are battling for the services of Villarreal's teenage sensation Samuel Chukwueze ahead of the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
Aigbogun has taken the first step by including the winger in his provisional squad list for the tournament in Poland but Rohr also wants him in his team for the AFCON in Egypt.
Nigeria U23 coach Imama Amapakabo is also in the mix, with the Dream Team VII having two crucial Olympic Games qualifiers against Sudan next month, which puts the Nigeria Football Federation in a tight spot as they have to decide what is best for the country.
Asked by BBC journalist Osasu Obayiuwana if Chukwueze, who has been in great form, will be a starter at the Africa Cup of Nations, Rohr replied : ''You seem to know all my present challenges. He is a great talent and I would like him in my team, although I don’t know if he will be an immediate starter.
''The challenge, of course, is that he is also wanted for Nigeria’s U20 team going to Poland.
''I have had a chat with the coach of Villarreal and they don’t want him to exhaust himself at the U20 World Cup and the AFCON, so they want him to choose one tournament.
''We shall see how best we can manage this situation. But no doubt, he’s a talent for my team.''
''The challenge, of course, is that he is also wanted for Nigeria’s U20 team going to Poland.
''I have had a chat with the coach of Villarreal and they don’t want him to exhaust himself at the U20 World Cup and the AFCON, so they want him to choose one tournament.
''We shall see how best we can manage this situation. But no doubt, he’s a talent for my team.''
Ahead of next season, Chukwueze could suffer from burnout if he's included in both the AFCON and U20 World Cup squads as he has played 45 games for Villarreal's teams in this campaign.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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