The Deputy Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Austin Meregini, has called on Nigerians to show Super Eagles star, Samuel Chukwueze the support and encouragement he needs, despite his penalty miss at the ongoing African Cup of Nations.
He said that himself, Umuahia East Constituency and the people of Abia stood firmly with him.
Recall that Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed from the spot during the penalty shootout against hosts Morocco during the semi-final match on Wednesday in Rabat.
The miss from Chukwueze angered fans leading to heavy abuse on the player on social media.
Meregini, who defended the Super Eagles’ winger, noted that football by its nature is a game of decisive moments.
The lawmaker recalled that even the world’s greatest players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, and so many others had missed penalties at critical moments.
He described Chukwueze as an outstanding footballer who has made reputable marks in all the football clubs he has played for.
He said that Chukwueze had repeatedly demonstrated professionalism, discipline, courage, and deep commitment to the Nigerian jersey, through his scintillating performances.
Meregini noted that such sound record cannot and should not be erased by one unfortunate incident, adding that attempts to ridicule or discredit the Fulham winger over a trivial matter such as chewing a gum, are misplaced and unhelpful.
Chewing gum has been widely known to be a practice among professional athletes, including world-class coaches like Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Anceloti.
He explained that those personalities consistently indulged in such habit apparently to manage tension and maintain composure under pressure.
Chikwueze has played for Villarreal CF in Spain, AC Milan in Italy, and currently on loan at Fulham in England.
(NAN)
AFCON: Chukwueze Deserves National Support, Encouragement ~ Abia Deputy Speaker
By Nwoko
69 views
Facebook Comments Box
Comments