'Every player wants to be here' - Ex-Everton winger reacts to late call-up to Nigeria's AFCON squad

Published: January 03, 2022

Olympiakos' Henry Onyekuru is delighted to be given an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The former Everton winger was handed a late call-up by interim boss Augustine Eguavoen to replace Napoli star Victor Osimhen who pulled out of the squad due to a combination of injury, Covid and non-release by his European club.

Onyekuru saw his opportunities limited over the last year due to his indifferent form at Olympiakos coupled with the fact that Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Kelechi Iheanacho were firing on all cylinders.

"It's always a good feeling coming back to represent the country, you know it is a great honour," Onyekuru said to MTN Nigeria's We Move With Super Eagles.

"I believe every player wants to be here, thanks to the coach. Like always I'm here to give hundred percent and to help the team in anyway, pitch or outside the pitch it doesn't matter, just give hundred percent."

On what Nigerian should expect from the Super Eagles in Cameroon, he said : "The best games as usual. Try to keep it hundred percent to give everything we have on the pitch and hopefully by the grace of God to come back with the Cup".

Onyekuru believes that the Super Eagles are under no pressure to win their fourth African title in Cameroon but has urged his teammates to give their very best.

"To me I believe there is no pressure, we just have to give hundred percent and respect every team. It doesn't matter if it is Egypt, Sudan, the same spirit inside and outside the pitch and just listen to the coach."

On the team that would pose the biggest threat to Nigeria, Onyekuru said : "I wouldn't say Egypt or Senegal. To me every team is the same, it is football you never know.

"A smaller team can come out to be the champion. I'm just after my team Nigeria."

Onyekuru is set to compete in his second Africa Cup of Nations after making an appearance as a substitute in a semifinal clash against Algeria in AFCON 2019.

Igho Kingsley

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