In the lead up to naming the players to prosecute March’s qualifiers against Sierra Leone, the names of several dual nationality players were making the rounds for coach Rohr to convince to play for Nigeria.
Very low on the list was a right fullback (Kingsley Ehizibue) who plays in the German Bundesliga for FC Cologne. I, for one, did not see it coming.
“The young defender’s biggest strengths are at the back.” wrote Dan Critchlow of Daily Canon a couple of seasons back when Kingsley Ehizibue was linked to Arsenal.
The writer remarked further: “He makes 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game, as well as 2.4 clearances and blocks. Plus he has a great physical presence for a full-back, standing at 6’2 inches.”
Ehizibue was playing in Holland at the time for PEC Zwolle.
As he was leaving the club last season for his new adventure in Germany, the 24 year old said:”Now it is time to push my limits.
I have a good feeling about my move to FC Cologne and I am looking forward to the new season.”
For some reason, we Super Eagles fans have a good feeling that he has elected to play for us. And yes, we are (so) looking forward to the swagger, suave and swashbuckling approach to which Kingsley approaches his football.
Having hit the ground running in just his first season in Germany, the former Dutch youth International has been singled out as one of the fastest players in the history of the Bundesliga – compared with greats like Arjen Robben.
But this speed demon offers more than speed….. Yeah baby….. This guy is so sleek, so mean, he can make medicine sick!
This season, the right back – who has played 21 and of 23 league matches – is rated 6.77/10 for his performances thus far.
He is said to be fantastic at winning ground and aerial duels with the ability to make crisp clearances whilst his interceptions are said to be neat, clean and delightful to watch.
He bombs up and down the wing like Liverpool fullbacks whilst his deliveries will make you yearning for more.
Expecting all of these to be true, I am hoping that, like he has committed to push himself to the limits for Cologne, he can serve the Super Eagles with such zeal, vigour and vitality.
I can’t wait to see this kid in action!