Chukwueze's frustration at being substituted v Benin: Former Super Eagles defender reacts to incident 

Former Super Eagles defender, Sam Elijah, has downplayed the visible frustration of winger Samuel Chukwueze after his substitution during Nigeria's commanding 3-0 victory over Benin.

Chukwueze, who failed to make a significant impact during the match, was replaced by Moses Simon in the 63rd minute.

As he left the pitch, the AC Milan winger appeared visibly frustrated and dejected by the decision.

Commenting on the player's reaction, Elijah dismissed it as a common gesture from professional players.

He attributed Chukwueze's frustration to his lackluster performance, supporting the decision made by the interim manager, Austin Eguavoen.

"I think it is normal with players, no player wants to be changed. For me, maybe because he didn't do well, I didn't see much from him in the first half, I think the change was the really right change for him to come out," Elijah told allnigeriasoccer.com.

He further added, "For me, it is a normal thing for a star and good player. You want to remain till the end of the game, that's not strange but his performance was not good enough."

Nigeria is currently drawn in Group D of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Libya, and Republic of Benin.

The Super Eagles sit atop the group with three points following their victory over Benin in Uyo.

Next, Nigeria will face Rwanda in their second group game, aiming to increase their points tally and further cement their position at the top of the group.

The team, under the guidance of coach Austin Eguavoen, arrived in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, on Sunday evening to begin preparations for their clash on Tuesday, September 10, at Amahoro Stadium, scheduled for 2:00 pm.

Adeyemi Adewale

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