Super Eagles defender returns from injury layoff, stars for Benfica

Nigeria defender Tyronne Ebuehi made his second pre-season friendly match appearance in the colours of Benfica, as the Portuguese giants defeated AC Milan by a lone goal at the Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, reports Soccernet.ng

Ebuehi played the last 20 minutes of the encounter, replacing Alex Grimaldo, a few minutes after Adel Taarabt scored what proved to be the winning goal.

The Super Eagles defender had been out of action for close to a year after he ruptured his cruciate ligament in training last summer few weeks after his well celebrated move from ADO Den Haag.

The 23-year-old was part of Nigeria’s squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia but missed out on a place in the squad that picked up a bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations due to the injury.

“It was a good preseason game , everyone has to be fit for the new season, and this is a big tournament where great teams are present,” Ebuehi told Benfica website after the match.

“I played a little, but I think well, it was 20 minutes, and for me it’s step by step. I was injured a year [ago] and I have to stay calm. I am happy to be back, I already missed playing football and I am happy to be back in the team.”

“I feel like I’m close, but I can’t rush things , and the important thing is to stay calm, because it was a very serious injury. Of course, I want to play [in the Super Cup]. I know I can play, but as I said, I have to stay calm and you’ll soon see. I know everything will go well and everything will be as before.

“The fans are fantastic and they motivate the whole team, me too. Benfica is a great club, I was expecting, but it’s fantastic!,” Ebuehi concluded.