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Super Eagles forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke celebrated their first start for Sevilla with a tale of two performances.
In a closely contested LaLiga fixture, Sevilla faced Real Mallorca with Super Eagles stars Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke making their first starts for the Andalusian club.
Pulse Sports Nigeria can report that the match ended in a goalless draw, with the visitors Sevilla reduced to 10 men.
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07:49 - 28.08.2024
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Chidera Ejuke's Performance: Initial Struggles
Ejuke, often compared to Nigerian legend Jay Jay Okocha, had a slow start to the game. While he saw a fair share of the ball in the early stages, his initial touches didn't translate into significant offensive output.
But as the match progressed, Ejuke's impact grew noticeably. He began to threaten the Mallorca defence with improved passing and increased offensive involvement.
Mallorca's defence recognised Ejuke's threat and consistently double marked him when he gained possession. This attention from the opposition highlighted Ejuke's potential danger but also limited his space.
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Despite the close marking, the 26-year-old managed to complete two successful dribbles, showcasing his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
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Ejuke emerged as Sevilla's primary creative outlet, particularly on the left flank. His influence on the game was significant, creating an impressive six (6) chances and delivering six (6) key passes.
Overall Impact
By the end of the match, Ejuke had established himself as a key figure in Sevilla's attack, consistently posing problems for the Mallorca defence despite the challenging circumstances.
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Kelechi Iheanacho's Performance: Limited Involvement
In contrast to his compatriot, Iheanacho had a quiet outing as he struggled to make a significant impact on the game.
The Nigerian striker found it difficult to get involved in the play, with limited touches on the ball.
The senior man appeared to have difficulty finding effective positions as Sevilla's central striker. This positioning issue contributed to his lack of involvement in the team's attacking moves.
Despite his struggles, Iheanacho managed to record one shot on target, create two chances, and make two key passes during his time on the pitch
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His challenging outing came to an end in the 62nd minute when he was substituted, reflecting his limited impact on the game.
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Super Eagles Implications
Despite the underwhelming performance, Iheanacho's standing in the national team setup appears secure heading into the international break.
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Newly appointed Super Eagles manager Bruno Labbadia included Iheanacho in his first 23-man squad for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, with Ejuke missing out.
Conclusion
The match against Real Mallorca presented contrasting fortunes for Sevilla's Nigerian duo. While Ejuke grew into the game and emerged as a creative force, Iheanacho struggled to make his mark.
However, Iheanacho's inclusion in the Super Eagles squad suggests that his overall quality and previous performances continue to be valued at the international level.
Both players will be looking to build on this experience as they settle into life at Sevilla and aim to contribute more consistently in future matches.
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