Dortmund boss lauds Nigeria-eligible Chukwuemeka after brief cameo against Union Berlin

Borussia Dortmund head coach, Nico Kovac, has heaped praise on Nigeria-eligible midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka, after he impressed in a brief cameo against Union Berlin on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old versatile midfielder joined Die Schwarzgelben on loan from Chelsea during the January transfer window but has yet to start a game for the Blacks and Yellows.

Chukwuemeka played just four minutes of football in Germany prior to the game against Union Berlin, although Dortmund were already three goals up when he was brought off the bench.

First match at home ✅ pic.twitter.com/JfkxaLzD09

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) February 24, 2025

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“I loved playing in front of 80,000 fans. I just tried to play my game and help the team. It was a fantastic performance from the whole squad. We were very efficient, especially in the second half. We played very direct and precise in the final third. Hopefully, we can build on this performance,” the Nigeria-eligible midfielder said on his Bundesliga debut.

Diogo Leite opened the scoring at the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday via an own goal, before Sehrou Guirassy put four past Frederik Ronnow, scoring three of those with Chukwuemeka on the pitch.

Maximillian Beier scored the game's final goal in the 89th minute and it was all smiles for the 2024 UEFA Champions League finalists as Nico Kovac sealed his first Bundesliga win for the club since taking over from Nuri Sahin 23 days ago.

After the game, Kovac praised the Austria-born Chukwuemeka, describing his brief Bundesliga debut as a “sensationally good” all-round display.

“The way he takes the ball and carries it, the way he immediately turns in the direction of play, that is really unique. He has very good acceleration and technique. The boy will give us joy if he stays healthy,” the former Eintracht Frankfurt coach said in an interview with Bundesliga.

Chukwuemeka's loan deal with Dortmund includes an option to buy clause worth €35m. If the 20-year-old continues to impress during his six-month spell at the Signal Iduna Park, then Dortmund could activate the purchases option. However, as per GFN Germany, this is only possible if Dortmund qualifies for Europe this season.

Carney Chukwuemeka vs Union Berlin

20 minute cameo. pic.twitter.com/LxVTVaKhN7

— Carnz (@Carnz_Edits) February 23, 2025

Dortmund are currently 10th on the Bundesliga table, with 32 points from 23 games, and are just six points off the European places.

The Germans face LOSC Lille in the round of sixteen of the UEFA Champions League, with the first leg set to be played on March 4 at the Signal Iduna Park.

Chukwuemeka was born in Eisenstadt, Austria, but moved to England when he was two years old and has featured for the Three Lions at Youth Level. He is eligible to play for the Super Eagles via his parents.