Yemi Olarenwaju, the chief coach of Nigeria Premier Football League outfit Rivers United has backed Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu to break into the Super Eagles ahead of the March international break, Footynaija.com reports.
Nwaiwu recently swapped Austria for Turkey, leaving Wolfsberger AC to join compatriot Paul Onuachu at Trabzonspor during the January transfer window.
Since his arrival at Trabzonspor, the 22-year-old defender has done well to establish himself as a crucial player for the Super Lig giants. He has featured each of their last nine matches and his performances have been nothing short of impressive.
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Nwaiwu has also been chipping in with some offensive end product for Trabzonspor. The center back recently bagged a brace in a 3-1 win over Fatih Karagumruk and had previously contributed with an assist in a narrow defeat to Fenerbahce on matchday 22.
Reacting to Nwaiwu’s strong start to life in Turkey, Olarenwaju who coached the young defender at NPFL side Enyimba before his move to Europe insisted that his impact at Trabzonspor is no surprise.
What Yemi Olarenwaju said about Nwaiwu
“Honestly, I’m not surprised by the level he’s playing at right now, and I must confess, it’s a great thing to see him performing so well,” he told Footy-Africa.
“He has everything needed to play for the biggest teams in the world. He’s fast, quick, intelligent, and very committed. I’m so happy for him.”
Olarenwaju also backed his former player to break into Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad in the near future; “I believe he’s going to be one of the Super Eagles players in the coming years. I know his qualities — he’s young, quick, strong in tackles, and reads the game very well.
“Just imagine him alongside Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey at the back for the Super Eagles. I believe the next five years are secured because they are very young and fast. As a centre-back, you have to be very quick, and that is one of his strongest attributes.”
Nigeria are set to face Jordan and Iran in international friendlies during the March FIFA window, and Nwaiwu’s Super Eagles break could be nearer than many imagine.
However, the decision rests with head coach Eric Chelle, who is expected to name his squad for the upcoming friendly clashes within the next few days.
