Soccer
Super Eagles stars: Onyedika, Uche, Boniface. Photo Credit: NFF Comms
Valencia manager Carlos Corberán has heaped praise on Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche ahead of Friday night’s La Liga encounter with Getafe at the Mestalla, Soccernet.ng reports.
Getafe travel to Valencia with maximum points after back-to-back away wins to start the season.
Uche stole the headlines on the opening weekend, delivering a commanding performance in the 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo.
José Bordalás’ men then followed up with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Sevilla, setting them up as one of the early surprise packages of the campaign.
For Getafe, the good news continues.
Despite strong transfer speculation, Christantus Uche is available to feature against Valencia. The Nigerian was expected to be in England this weekend, completing a medical ahead of a €20m move to Wolves after both clubs reached an agreement.
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However, the 22-year-old versatile forward turned down the deal, opting instead to stay in Spain for at least one more season. His decision came despite interest from AC Milan, Crystal Palace, and Serie B side Como.
Uche, who scored four goals and provided six assists in 33 league appearances during his debut La Liga campaign, has chosen stability over a high-profile switch.
Valencia boss Corberán insists Uche’s presence changes nothing in his tactical planning but admitted he holds the forward in high regard.
Soccer What Corberán said of Super Eagles and Getafe star Uche
“Uche played the two previous matches with them and has proven to be a very important player,” Corberán told MD.
“He’s a player who has proven his worth in the First Division and who Premier League clubs have wanted. When you face top-level players, it only increases your motivation and the demand to give your best.”
Getafe’s third consecutive away fixture promises to be another stern test, with Uche once again the player to watch.
The youngster’s pace, strength, and creativity make him a constant threat, and Bordalás will be counting on his Nigerian forward to keep their perfect start alive against Corberán’s Valencia.
In the meantime, Wolves must wait, while La Liga continues to enjoy one of its most exciting young attackers.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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