“We have another gem on our hands” – FIFA, Nigerian fans drool over Super Eagles dribbling wizard after CAR display

Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen were the heroes for the three-time African champions against the Central African Republic on Sunday, but another Nigerian star had fans praising his performance

FIFA, the world governing football body, and a section of the Nigerian fans have been left impressed by the dribbling skills of CSKA Moscow’s Chidera Ejuke, following the youngster’s eye-catching display against the Central African Republic.

Ejuke was introduced for captain Ahmed Musa shortly after the hour mark, with the Super Eagles already leading their opponents 2-0, courtesy of first-half strikes from Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen.

The 22-year-old started the reverse fixture four days earlier when Nigeria succumbed to an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to the Wild Beasts, a game in which he made minimal impact.

But in less than half an hour in the Japoma Main Stadium in Douala, Ejuke was a live wire, ghosting past defenders at will, with the ball seemingly glued to his feet.

However, he overdid his craft a few times and got some fans angry for his decision-making when teammates were better placed to score.

But many are convinced that Ejuke is a rare gem, similar to a certain Jay-Jay Okocha and that he should be classed as a national treasure and a deadly weapon.

A Twitter user wrote: “This was how JayJay Okocha burst on the scene in 1993. Proper dribbler, we have another gem on our hands.”

This was how JayJay Okocha burst on the scene in 1993. Proper dribbler, we have another gem on our hands.

— Obong Itata , Esq. (@ObongItata_Esq) October 10, 2021

Another also said: “Victor Osimhen and Leon Balogun Secured 3points for the Super Eagles of Nigeria away from Home, That Boy that Boy that looks like Poco Lee the Ejuke Boy is a National Treasure and should be Protected.”

Victor Osimhen and Leon Balogun Secured 3points for the Super Eagles of Nigeria away from Home, That Boy that Boy that looks like Poco Lee the Ejuke Boy is a National Treasure and should be Protected. # pic.twitter.com/gffkj05uxG

— Akpos (@officialsimcard) October 10, 2021

Even FIFA had something nice to say about the Nigerian, followed by a video of the youngster in action: “A superb Chidera Ejuke run.”

⚽️ A @LeonBalogun volley
✅ A @victorosimhen9 strike
✖️ An amazing Saint-Cyr Ngam clearance
🏃‍♂️ A superb Chidera Ejuke run

📺 Watch highlights from Nigeria’s victory over Central African Republic 🌍#WCQ | @NGSuperEagles | @CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/VkFObONGmU

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 10, 2021

A user sees Ejuke as a weapon.

“CSKA Moscow’s Chidera Ejuke is a deadly weapon for Nigeria & he’s gonna be a handful for whatever defence he takes on in Qatar. By far, Nigeria’s best Left Winger. His growth since his days in Norway has been clear for everyone to see,” he wrote.

CSKA Moscow’s Chidera Ejuke is a deadly weapon for Nigeria & he’s gonna be a handful for whatever defence he takes on in Qatar. By far, Nigeria’s best Left Winger.

His growth since his days in Norway has been clear for everyone to see. 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/5qy99BOYZ1

— 𝑫𝒆𝒛 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇳🇬 (@dezreport) October 10, 2021

One Twitter user compared Ejuke’s skills with those of former Nigerian attackers Kalu and Ike Uche.
“Ejuke has the most fanciful footwork this team has seen since the Kalu brothers.”

Ejuke has the most fanciful footwork this team has seen since the Kalu brothers.

— Tùka (@TukaLetura) October 10, 2021

Another one could not contain his delight at the sight of the CSKA lad, as he wrote: “Ejuke dey ball abeg.”

Ejuke dey ball abegg 😭😭💫 pic.twitter.com/fSeRSjc0ck

— Haské. (@HaRMaTTaNray) October 10, 2021

More high praises came from another Twitter user: “It has been long we see a player as exciting as Chidera Ejuke,
@Chideraejuke10 in the Super Eagles. He faces players with no fear like he’s taken over farmland Face with tears of joy.”

It has been long we see a player as exciting as Chidera Ejuke, @Chideraejuke10 in the Super Eagles.

He faces players with no fear like he’s taken over farmland 😂

Laps like aboki yam 😂 pic.twitter.com/gtFXXVoVuh

— POOJA… (@PoojaMedia) October 11, 2021

One user admired the youngster’s creativity. “Ejuke has been by far our most creative player today despite only coming on in the 66th minute,” he said.

Ejuke has been by far our most creative player today despite only coming on in the 66th minute

— Home of Nigerian Footballers (@EaglesTrackerNG) October 10, 2021

One of the fans who want Ejuke to improve in the final third said: “Creative without end product is useless; football is about the end product, no big club will purchase Ejuke; if u like him, better advice him to add goal to his game and stop playing to the gallery.”

Creative without end product is useless,football is about the end product,no big club will purchase ejuke,if u like him better advice him to add goal to his game and stop playing to gallery.

— Jbr (@Jbr01148822) October 10, 2021

Another advised: “No doubt Ejuke is a baller, but he needs not to be selfish… SE would have scored three goals this second half if he had passed the ball to Osimhen.”

No doubt Ejuke is a baller, but he needs not to be selfish.. SE would have score 3 goals this second half if he had passed the ball to Osimhen.

— Mustapha Daniel (@DanAde_) October 10, 2021

Ejuke made his third competitive appearance for the Super Eagles in the matchday four clash against the Central African Republic.

He made his debut from the bench as Nigeria played a thrilling 4-4 with Sierra Leone last November.