Didn’t play like a new player – high praise for Super Eagles debutant

Former Nigerian international defender Efe Ambrose says Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu did not play like he was making his debut for the Super Eagles in the 2-1 win over Iran in the four-team invitational tournament taking place in Turkey, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nwaiwu was called up to replace the injured Calvin Bassey, forcing him to interrupt his visit to his former team, Wolfsberger, in Austria. He only trained once before yesterday’s game.

Coach Eric Chelle saw enough to introduce him for Semi Ajayi, and the 22-year-old who moved to Turkey in the January transfer window did not look out of place.

His performance caught the attention of Ambrose, who won the 2013 AFCON with Nigeria, and he said the lanky defender did not play with nerves.

“It is normal for a player to show nerves in his first game in the senior shirt, but that was not the case for the tall defender (Nwaiwu). This is a performance he should be proud of as a good start, but now is the time to continue working hard,” he said in an exclusive chat.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman