“If he keeps this level” – Sevilla coach sends message to Super Eagles star ahead of Osasuna clash

Sevilla head coach Luis García Plaza has spoken about the chances of Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke starting in their clash against Espanyol on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ejuke made his 26th appearance of the season across all competitions in Sevilla’s 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad last Monday. He was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup for the clash, marking only his first La Liga start since November 2025, when he featured in a 2-0 defeat to Real Betis.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet, the 28-year-old delivered an eye-catching performance on the left wing and constantly troubled the opposition defence. The Super Eagles forward also completed the most dribbles in the game and recorded the highest number of touches inside the opposition box.

He was also one of the highest rated players on the pitch and appears to have given García Plaza plenty to consider ahead of Sevilla’s crucial run-in.

Sevilla coach hints at bigger role for Chidera Ejuke 

Sevilla host Espanyol at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in a crucial La Liga match later today as they continue their battle for survival this season. 

The seven-time Europa League winners have struggled throughout the campaign and currently sit 17th in the La Liga table with 37 points, just one point above the relegation zone with only four matches left to play.

Ahead of the encounter, García Plaza admitted he has been impressed by Ejuke’s performances in training and believes the winger could keep his place in the starting lineup if he maintains the same standard.

“He wasn't a starter since November. ‘Chidi' had not been a starter for a long time, with me and with the previous coach. I think he played a great game”, the Sevilla boss said, via Estadio Deportivo.

“This Ejuke is the one I was already liking in training. I wanted to put him in and I think that if he keeps this level he will play. If he is a focused Ejuke, who does everything, who is not lost dribbling… He's going to play. What I'm saying here I've told him: don't get lost, let him be vertical, attack, face, look for one by one… If he fulfills it effectively, he has to play.”

García Plaza further revealed that Ejuke had asked to be substituted during the Real Sociedad game after struggling physically, but the winger pushed himself to continue until full-time.

He also praised the Nigerian forward’s defensive work rate and stressed the importance of maintaining balance in his game.

“I only talk about my games, but he hadn't played as a starter since November and it's not normal. Therefore, I understood that he asked me for the change in the 60, because it's been many months without playing as a starter. It has to give us many things, but it has to be at that level”, the Sevilla coach added.

“He has to have that verticality, go for the rival, go for the goal, not get lost dribbling backwards… Go ahead and attack, attack, attack, attack… And help us defensively. If he does that, he is a very important player.”

Sevilla have just four games remaining to secure their La Liga status and avoid relegation this season and Super Eagles duo Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams will be hoping to play important roles in the club’s fight for survival.

Their battle to stay in the Spanish top flight begins against Espanyol today, before difficult fixtures against Villarreal, Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo to close out the season.