‘My Big Hero Was Jayjay Okocha’ – Chukwueze

Samuel Chukwueze, 20, has expressed his admiration for former Super Eagles captain, Jay jay Okocha.

The Villarreal winger said he grew up to admire the former Nigeria International.

The Villarreal star has continued to turn heads in the Spanish top flight since breaking into the Starting XI of the Yellow Submarines last term.

The winger netted eight times in as many appearances last campaign, also helping the Spanish club to 14th with his impressive performances.

The forward also showed sparks of dazzling displays in the Africa Cup of Nations, helping the Nigeria senior team to a third placed finish.

The winger who has been touted the Nigerian Arjen Robben because of his dribbling skills said:

“My big hero was Jay-Jay Okocha. I loved watching him, and whenever he played for Nigeria I would be so desperate to see him win. If they lost, I wouldn’t eat. I couldn’t take it,” he told Goal.

“In my home town we would have a local centre and I would try to go there to watch Nigeria games. We didn’t have a TV, but there was one there. I would peep through the window to see Okocha and the rest.”

The Yellow Submarines have gotten off on the wrong foot this term as they go into the fourth game of the season yet without a win.

Chukwueze after registering his first goal of the season in Villarreal’s 4-4 game against Granada said he has a desire to always be on the winning side.

“I’m not a good loser. When I was younger and my team lost, I would cry. I’ve stopped that now, but I still hate to lose. Even on the PlayStation if I lose, I will throw the controller. Winning is everything to me,” he added.

He is part of a 25-man squad invited for an International friendly match against Ukraine.