How Chidera Ejuke’s all-round brilliance forced Eric Chelle to change his mind after Super Eagles recall

When Eric Chelle revealed his Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday morning, few expected to see Chidera Ejuke’s name. 

The winger, once tipped as Nigeria’s next big attacking star, and dubbed the next Jay Jay Okocha had drifted out of the picture, a forgotten dribbler in the endless churn of European football.

But Chelle saw something different. He saw numbers that speak of growth, maturity, and a player who has quietly rebuilt his game from flash to function.

Ejuke’s recall isn’t nostalgia, it’s merit. Beneath Sevilla’s modest attacking return lies a winger whose work rate, discipline, and defensive contribution have taken a massive leap. 

In an era where modern wingers must press, tackle, and recover as much as they dazzle, Ejuke has evolved into exactly that profile.

He currently averages 2.66 tackles, 8.73 duels won, 0.76 aerial duels won (66.7%), 0.76 interceptions, and 6.84 recoveries per 90 minutes, all without a single yellow or red card this season. 

That’s not the Ejuke who once left gaps behind him; that’s a player who now understands the grind behind the glamour.

Simon is the most productive in front of goal, but Ejuke matches him for creativity while surpassing everyone defensively. His 3.7 successful dribbles per 90 and 1.85 key passes per 90 show the balance between flair and function.

Even without goals, his 0.35 expected assists (xA) and 80.8% pass completion show he’s contributing meaningfully in buildup and chance creation.

For Nigeria, this is more than a recall, it’s a statement. Chelle wants wide players who can create and compete, artists who also work.

Ejuke’s blend of creativity and combativeness could give the Super Eagles something they’ve lacked: a winger who presses high, tracks back intelligently, and still carries the ball with purpose.

In a team often accused of relying too much on individual talent, Ejuke’s numbers whisper a different promise, one of balance, teamwork, and responsibility.

The stats may not scream superstar yet, but they show a player reborn, efficient, disciplined, and quietly impactful. And if there’s one thing football teaches, it’s that comebacks rarely start loud.

They start with small numbers that turn into big moments. Chidera Ejuke’s recall might just be one of those moments.

**Stats from FootyStats