Former Golden Eaglets sensation, Samuel Chukwueze, has expressed his hope for a showdown against Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho in the final of the Spanish Segunda B (third division) promotion playoffs, as his Villarreal B team gears up for a critical fixture against Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals.
Villarreal B embarks on the challenge against Athletic Bilbao in the Segunda B quarter-finals while Uzoho’s RCD Deportivo Fabril faces Extremadura UD, both on the same day, with the return leg scheduled for late May.
Uzoho, exhibiting stellar performances, has maintained an impressive record this season, securing 15 clean sheets in 25 games for RC Deportivo Fabril. Conversely, Chukwueze initiated the season with Villarreal’s U-19 team and subsequently ascended to the B team, showcasing his prowess with seven goals from the wing.
Anticipating their potential clash, Chukwueze, who missed the Flying Eagles’ 2-2 draw against Guinea-Bissau, lauded Uzoho as one of the premier goalkeepers in the Segunda B, expressing his aspirations for a face-off in the playoffs final.
“As a Nigerian, I wish him the best and hope our teams both do well and we meet in the final,” the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner remarked. “He’s a very good goalkeeper with his height and one of the best in our division. I’m happy for him that he’ll be going to the World Cup.”
While disappointed to miss the Flying Eagles’ match against Guinea-Bissau, Chukwueze conveyed his regret but affirmed his commitment to Villarreal’s play-off obligations, ensuring his availability post-playoffs for national team duties. His aspirations extend beyond the Spanish playoffs, anticipating a thrilling encounter should their teams navigate their way to the ultimate showdown in the play-offs final.