Henry Onyekuru’s return to Gençlerbirliği has caught the eye of former Golden Eaglets star and 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup winner, Sambo Choji, who believes, in an exclusive interview for Footy-Africa, the forward is on track to rediscover his best form and earn a recall to the national team.
Super Eagles winger Onyekuru has hit the ground running at Gençlerbirliği, showing flashes of brilliance during pre-season training.
The 28-year-old looks eager to reignite his career after his recent move from Saudi side Al-Fayha, returning to Europe and to a Turkish league where he once dazzled.
Fans of Galatasaray will remember Onyekuru’s electric 2018/19 season when he played a key role in their title-winning campaign.
Now at Gençlerbirliği, he teams up with fellow Nigerian international Oghenekaro Etebo as they aim to steer the Ankara-based club to a successful season.
“I like Henry a lot because he reminds me of myself during my playing days with Nigeria,” Choji said. “He’s quick, tricky, and can play both as a winger or centrally up front.”
Choji, who enjoyed a spell in Europe himself majorly in Germany, is pleased to see Onyekuru back in familiar territory.
“It’s great to see him return to Europe. It’s not that he was poor in Saudi Arabia, but playing competitive football every week in Europe brings the best out of a player,” he added.
The ex-striker is hopeful Onyekuru can use the move as a springboard back into the Super Eagles squad, especially with crucial World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
“Nigeria needs players like him, players who are direct, unpredictable, and capable of unsettling defenders,” Choji continued. “With the World Cup qualifiers coming up soon, getting regular minutes will put him in the frame for a return.”
Choji also had a word for Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle, saying players like Onyekuru could be vital in turning around Nigeria’s qualification campaign.
“I’m optimistic. If Henry and others find form again, we can definitely reignite our qualification hopes.”
Gençlerbirliği becomes the third Turkish side Onyekuru will represent, having previously played for Galatasaray and Adana Demirspor.
