‘This is just the beginning’ — Chukwueze on winning LaLiga Africa Player of the Year award

Samuel Chukwueze has revealed that he is just getting started after he was named the best African player in La Liga for the just concluded 2022/23 season.

The league announced the Villareal forward as the winner of the gong in a statement on Tuesday, amassing majority of the votes by more than 30,000 fans from all across the continent and 26 African football journalists.

The Super Eagles star produced one of the league’s outstanding individual performances of the season against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he scored two sensational goals in a 3-2 win for Villareal.

The Nigerian had a fantastic season with the Yellow Submarine, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions, the first time he would be hitting double digits for goals and assists.

However, this is just the beginning according to the Umuahia-born winger.

“I feel so happy to win this award,” he told La Liga’s website.

“I’ve worked very hard this season, but I want to thank my teammates for making it possible. Without them this wouldn’t have been possible for me… and the coach [Quique Setién] too.

“When the coach believes in you, and gives you the confidence to play and enjoy yourself, it really motivates you

“But I think I can still do more. I want to continue working hard. I’m still young, so I’m still learning. This is just the beginning.”