Video: Watch Chidera Ejuke channels inner ‘Okocha’ after Eric Chelle snub
Super Eagles star Chidera Ejuke channelled his inner Jay-Jay Okocha after he was left out of Eric Chelle’s first squad for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
Ejuke was on the provisional list but not on the 23-man list released on Tuesday despite his impressive performances recently. However, the 27-year-old appears not to be bothered by the snub as he showed what he could have offered differently from the players called up.
The former CSKA Moscow star showed why he is called the next “Okocha” as he showed his dribbling skills. In a video shared on Sevilla’s X page, formerly known as Twitter, Ejuke was seen putting his teammates on skates.
In the highlight reel shared, Ejuke beat his marker with a skill called “the snake bite”. In another separate incident in the same video, the ex-Hertha Berlin man was also seen turning another marker inside out before putting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Naija magic 🇳🇬✨
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 12, 2025
pic.twitter.com/5oj5i0v4et
The two moments showed were shades of Jay-Jay and highlight Ejuke’s incredible dribbling ability.
Ejuke building up his form at Sevilla
It has been a rollercoaster season for Ejuke since moving to Sevilla. The Super Eagles started well, going on to become one of Los Nervionenses' key players.
However, just as he was hitting his strides, Ejuke picked up a hamstring injury that ruled him out for three months.
The 27-year-old has since returned, though, and appears to be gaining momentum again. Ejuke was recently on target last weekend, scoring the lone goal in Sevilla’s 1-0 win at Real Sociedad.
Ejuke will hope to continue his impressive form this weekend when Sevilla host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.