Mutiu Adepoju Names The Nigerian Youngster About To ‘Explode’

The former Real Madrid man has high hopes for young wing dazzler Samuel Chukwueze, tipping him to move to a better club and become more influential

La Liga Ambassador Mutiu Adepoju is convinced that Villarreal winger Chukwueze has the talent to be the next big African star in the Spanish top flight.

Chukwueze stunned fans and foes alike last season when he made a grand entry in La Liga, netting five goals in 26 appearances.

Rave reviews followed instantly, with the 21-year-old nominated for several awards, including the CAF Young Player of the Year award and the Kopa Trophy, which is the Ballon d'Or award for the best performing player under the age of 21.

Chukwueze has slowed down a bit this term, though, with the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner scoring just three goals in 26 league games so far.

Former international Adepoju admits that complacency may have hampered the youngster's progress this year. But the 1994 AFCON winner is backing the Villarreal star to blossom next campaign.

“Chukwueze is another young player who is doing well in La Liga. I believe in the next one year; he's going to explode if he continues that way,” Adepoju said on La Liga's Inside Show (via Goal).

“What happens to West Africans is that sometimes when you get to a certain stage, you believe that you've arrived.

“But if he keeps his cool and he continues progressing, developing the way he is, I believe he's going to get into a big team which is going to make him explode at any given time.”