Henry Onyekuru, a seasoned Super Eagles player with sixteen caps, has expressed his unwavering determination to make a comeback to the national team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The 26-year-old forward, who made his debut for the Eagles in 2017, is fueled by his ambition to contribute to Nigeria’s success on the continental stage.
Onyekuru’s journey with the Super Eagles has seen him feature prominently, particularly after an impressive 2018/19 season with Galatasaray.
He earned a spot in Nigeria’s final 23-man squad for the 2019 AFCON in Egypt and played a pivotal role in their campaign, appearing for 12 minutes during the semi-final clash against eventual champions Algeria.
Despite a brief hiatus from the national team, Onyekuru made a return for the final two 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho.
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Subsequently, he was part of the Eagles squad in the 2021 tournament in Cameroon, making a notable appearance in the team’s 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.
Currently plying his trade in the Saudi League with Al-Fayha, Henry Onyekuru remains optimistic about a recall to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast. Addressing concerns about the Saudi league’s intensity, he emphasized the competitive nature of the league and dispelled any negative perceptions.
“In Nigerian football, there is still this negative mentality about the Saudi league – they don’t think it is as intense. But I think they should be able to see that now, the players who play here make it competitive. I am not giving up, and anything can happen,” Onyekuru stated in an interview with Arab News.
The former Monaco star has been showcasing his prowess in the Saudi League, contributing three goals and two assists in 14 league games so far this season.
As Onyekuru continues to impress on the pitch, his determination and performance could pave the way for a significant role in Nigeria’s quest for glory in the upcoming AFCON tournament.
