Sevilla assistant coach Javi Martinez has praised Chidera Ejuke's impact in their 2-2 draw against Betis in El Gran Derbi on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Los Nervionenses staged an impressive comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against their city rivals. After falling two goals behind in the first half, they fought back to force their hosts to a stalemate.
Two Super Eagles stars featured in the match; while Akor Adams played the full 90 minutes, Ejuke was introduced at halftime when Los Nervionenses were still desperately trying to salvage the game.
Ejuke made a significant impact. Although he did not record a goal or an assist, he registered two shots, 34 touches, 13 carries, and 18 successful passes.
After the game, assistant coach Martinez—who was leading from the sidelines due to a touchline ban served by head coach Matias Almeyda—admitted he was impressed with Ejuke's performance.
He noted that Ejuke’s introduction provided Sevilla with an extra oomph in the final third, which proved key to their comeback.
”The introduction of Oso and Ejuke allowed us to be more dangerous and clinical in front of goal during the second half,” Martinez said, via Futbol Fantasy.
“It was what gradually allowed us to impose ourselves and maintain control while being much more dangerous in the final third.”
Has Chidera Ejuke Earned a Starting Spot at Sevilla?
Coach Javi Martinez's comments suggest that Ejuke remains an important member of the squad.
However, the Super Eagles winger will likely want to be more than just a super-sub who occasionally gets minutes in the second half.
Notably, the 28-year-old attacker has not started a game for Sevilla since November 2025, when they suffered a home defeat to Betis.
He will be hoping that this latest performance against their rivals puts him back in the manager's good graces for a place in the starting XI.
The main critique of Ejuke’s game remains that, despite his undeniable speed and flair, his final output can be inconsistent. If he can improve his end product, he could very well establish himself as a mainstay for Los Nervionenses.
