The Next Nigerian Superstar - Samuel Chukwueze

Nigeria's rising star Samuel Chukwueze choose the big stage in Afcon 2019 to announce that he is the next big thing coming out from not only Nigeria, but Africa in general. More like Chukwueze has hinted the world while squaring horns with the world greats, Real Madrid Sergio Ramos and Barcelona Lionel Messi last season playing for Villarreal.

Emerging as one of La Liga's breakout stars this past season, Samuel Chukwueze shone brightly in a Villarreal team which failed to live up to expectations.

The winger first stood out against Real Madrid to give both Sergio Ramos and Marcelo nightmares as the sides settled for a 2-2 draw. Three months later, he proved a genuine star while taking on Barcelona. His goal and assist meant the Blaugrana had to depend on Lionel Messi's heroics to earn a point from 4-2 down. 

Chukwueze has long demonstrated the potential to perform on the big stage. He was part of Nigeria's U17 side which won the 2015 World Cup, coming away with the Bronze Boot for his contribution. From then onward he was tipped to do big things. His performance at Villarreal this past campaign shows he's capable.

More recently, Chukwueze's reputation has risen further. At 20, he was eligible to represent Nigeria at the just-concluded U20 World Cup, but instead, he was drafted into the senior set up for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Chukwueze's first AFCON appearance was against Burundi in the Super Eagles' opening group stage match. He put forth a decent outing, running the opposition left-back ragged. His efforts were rewarded with a 1-0 win courtesy Odion Ighalo's 77th-minute goal. 

Good displays as a substitute followed for Chukwueze against Guinea then Cameroon in the last 16. It was the next encounter in which, as a starter, he confirmed his standing as one of Africa's brightest talents. 

 Samuel Chukwueze became the youngest scorer at the #TotalAFCON2019