Chukwueze: How Nigeria star fired Villarreal past Djene’s Getafe

The Nigeria international was imposing as the Yellow Submarine bounced back from a goal deficit to cage the Deep Blue Ones

Samuel Chukwueze accentuated his importance to Villarreal in Monday’s 2-1 comeback La Liga win over Getafe.

The Nigeria international delivered eye-catching displays as the Yellow Submarine continued their chase for a place in Europe next season.

Although Quique Setien’s men made a false start at Estadio de la Ceramica, they made sure that the Deep Blue Ones returned home empty-handed.

After nine minutes, Enes Unal fired the visitors ahead after meeting Djene’s exciting cross and perfectly guided his header past Pepe Reina.

Notwithstanding, Chukwueze reduced the deficit for the hosts a minute before the half time break, tucking home a rebound off goalkeeper David Soria’s save from Etienne Capoue.

With that, the Super Eagle has now scored in consecutive Spanish topflight matches for the second time in 140 appearances, scoring as many goals as in his previous 37 games in the tournament.

Chukwueze set up Jose Luis Morales for the winner eight minutes before the hour mark to send the home fans into wild jubilation.

The Nigerian—who was named man-of-the-match—was subbed off for Gerrard Moreno in the 86th minute, and statistics showed that he impressed against Quique Sanchez Flores’ men.

The 23-year-old recorded one shot, four crosses, 74 touches, and 50 passes with a passing accuracy of 80 percent.

Also, he completed five dribbles, contributed two key passes, and one clearance while he was dispossessed once.

Elsewhere, Algeria international Aissa Mandi was an unused substitute, with Senegal international Nicolas Jackson still out owing to a muscle injury.

“We needed to win to change the mood and be optimistic. It was difficult. We started with the burden of having conceded very early, but we had the game under control, and it was good for us to score before the break and then in the second half,” Setien told the club website.

“We got through the game with suffering. They compromised us, but I’m happy with the win, because it allows us to change the dynamic and see if we are now capable of getting on a new positive streak. We want to look to the future with optimism.” he added.

Thanks to this result, Villarreal climbed to seventh, having accrued 34 points from 23 outings.

Barring any fitness issues, the Yellow Submarine would be expecting Chukwueze to replicate his form when they visit the Power Horse Stadium for a date with Almeria on March 4.