Francis-Ikechukwu Onyeka strengthens Eric Chelle’s case for Nigeria call-up

Elversberg produced the biggest surprise of the Bundesliga’s opening weekend by beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-2, with Francis-Ikechukwu Onyeka playing a central role in the newly promoted side’s victory.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Germany to parents of Nigerian descent, is eligible to represent the senior national team of Nigeria. His performance will further interest Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, who is keen to persuade the midfielder to join the Super Eagles.

Onyeka is currently on loan at Elversberg from Bayer Leverkusen. In a match that saw the promoted club defeat his parent side, he provided an assist for Elversberg’s opening goal and also contributed to the build-up to their third.

His display came shortly after he was named man of the match in the German Cup, giving him another opportunity to demonstrate the qualities that have attracted Chelle’s attention. The back-to-back performances have strengthened the case for the teenager to be considered for a role in Nigeria’s senior set-up.

Onyeka remains a youth international for Germany, meaning his international future is not yet settled at senior level. Although he was born in Germany and has represented the country in youth football, his Nigerian heritage makes him eligible to choose Nigeria for senior international football.

Chelle is hopeful of convincing Onyeka to switch his allegiance following discussions. However, contact with the player’s representatives has not yet been established, leaving the Nigeria coach’s reported interest at an early stage.

Elversberg’s victory was particularly notable because it came against Bayer Leverkusen, the club that owns Onyeka’s registration. His loan spell has therefore begun with a performance directly against his parent team, while also placing him at the centre of attention after the club’s impressive start to life in the German top flight.

For Chelle, Onyeka’s contribution offered a timely reminder of why the player is being considered for Nigeria’s senior squad. The teenager’s involvement in two of Elversberg’s three goals, combined with his recent German Cup award, has made him one of the key players to watch in the debate over his international future.

No agreement has yet been reached, and no contact has been made with his representatives, but Onyeka’s latest performance has shown the ability that Chelle believes could benefit the Super Eagles.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman