The
Director, Aspire Football Dreams (Nigeria), Col. Sam Ahmedu (retd.), who played
a major role in the football development of new Everton signing Henry Onyekuru,
believes the youngster can become Nigeria’s next big thing in the Premier
League, even though he would have preferred him joining Arsenal.
Onyekeru,
who has a £6.8m release clause in his contract, joined the Toffees from AS
Eupen on Tuesday and will spend next
season on loan at Anderlecht as he does not yet qualify for a UK work permit.
The
20-year-old Nigeria striker, top scorer in the Belgian top division last season
with 22 goals, was the target of
European clubs including Arsenal and West Ham before Everton grabbed
him.
“The move is
okay, though I would have preferred him at Arsenal. Arsenal would have given him a better profile
but Everton are not bad either and the move will give him better opportunities
of playing in the first team instantly,” Ahmedu stated.
“I believe
they (Everton) wanted him more and the issue of playing time and personal terms
influenced by his agents may have been factors. (Ronald) Koeman is a good coach
too, so it’s a nice move and with Champions League experience at Anderlecht,
his game will improve.
“Henry will
adapt to the rigours of the English league well. Which Nigerian player has not
adapted? He trained at Aspire Academy
with the best facilities, including acclimatisation facilities. Aspire players
play in Spain, England and Italy. Henry is rugged, a hard Surulere boy to the
core. He will cope well.”
Onyekuru
learnt his football lessons at the famous Aspire Academy in Qatar, where he
spent five years, before moving to Belgium in 2015. Ahmedu said the striker had
displayed all the traits of a future star at the academy, Punch reported.
“Henry
showed pace and has a knack for scoring creative goals. Henry is multi-dimensional.
He can play as a top striker, support striker and even as a midfielder. His
pace also makes him effective on the wings,” he added.
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