“Proud Of You, Gem” – Accolades For Samuel Chukwueze Despite Missing Out On Kopa Trophy

The Super Eagles sensation missed out on the 2019 Kopa trophy after Juventus defender, Matthijs De Ligt, was declared the winner of the award on Monday evening but he has been praised for even getting nominated.

A breakthrough season for Villarreal and the Super Eagles has seen Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze listed among the ten best performing players in the world under the age of 21.

However, despite tormenting La Liga defences with his pace and trickery last term and winning bronze medal with Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON tournament in Egypt, the 20-year-old was snubbed by the voters who preferred former Ajax defender De Lift who had a sensational season for the Dutch champions last term.

The Kopa Trophy award is organised by France Football and its winner is selected by former Ballon d’Or winners.

PSG star, Kylian Mbappe was the winner of the Kopa Trophy award last year after his impressive performance for Les Blues at the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Nigeria fans were however still excited for Samuel Chukwueze who surprisingly became the highlight of a night that saw Lionel Messi claim a record sixth Ballon d’Or trophy.

“Samuel Chukwueze. Top 10 under 21. Big stuff. Congratulations to him.”

https://www.twitter.com/BOBCyril2/status/1201592834824003584

👤 49 games
⚽ 9 goals
🅰 4 assists

🇳🇬 NFF Young Player of the Year
🇪🇺 Made UEFA's '50 for the future' list
🥉 Scored in and won Bronze at AFCON 2019

Samuel Chukwueze rated 9th best U21 Player in 2019 👏🏾#KopaTrophy #BallonDor2019 pic.twitter.com/DigoGz01fT

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) December 2, 2019

https://www.twitter.com/OluniyiGates/status/1201597147306758144

https://www.twitter.com/OluniyiGates/status/1201597147306758144

https://www.twitter.com/BOBCyril2/status/1201592834824003584

https://www.twitter.com/IsmaiilTheBird/status/1201611041693687808

Congrats @chukwueze_8 on making the final 10 of the Kopa Trophy 2019. You’re a gem.

— CFA (@Gentle_Dove1) December 2, 2019

so excited seeing our @chukwueze_8 amongst the nominees for the young players award tonight at the #BallonDor it's been awhile a Nigerian is being nominated really 👏👏#Team9jaStrong #Soarsupereagles @thenff #BallonDor

— Ɓíódún Òjélàdé (@Biodunojelade19) December 2, 2019

I'm delighted Samuel Chukwueze made it to the 10 man shortlist for the KOPA award #BallonDor2019 pic.twitter.com/jVZOP8dx3Y

— Tifemi's Lens™ ✮. (@tifemi_lens) December 2, 2019

Chukwueze proud of you boy

— Ibroh (@Ibrahimkafa74) December 2, 2019

Congratulations to Samuel chukwueze for making the ballon d’or best young player list..

— Victor (@izu_chukwu) December 2, 2019

Chukwueze 🇳🇬 😊💪🚀 #BallonDor #BallonDor2019 #kopatrophy https://t.co/DVkL2ESRBm

— TOBI (@tobbylento) December 2, 2019

Soon as I saw Chukwueze as one of the nominees for the Kopa Trophy,I couldn't control my smile.😪🙏🇳🇬🦅
From a nobody in Abia state.#BallonDor #Messix
#BallonDor2019

— Inowei 👽 (@Inowei8) December 2, 2019

Congratulations to chukwueze , hoping we'll get the kopathrophy,,, Nigerians everywhere,, Even plastic na achievement bro@chukwueze_8

— Nonconformist Emrex (@The_EmrexOjay) December 2, 2019

I'm so proud of you Samuel Chukwueze 👏👏 #BallonDor2019 #BallonDor

— Tobi Samuel Snow (@iam_foleymessi) December 2, 2019