Nigerian wing-wizard nominated for top international award

Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze (L) in action against Real Madrid's Ferland Mendy (R)

Tuesday Oct 22, 2019. 08:00

Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze is among the 10 nominees for the 2019 Kopa Trophy, France Football revealed on Monday.

Presented to the best under-21 player in world football, the Kopa Trophy is only in its second year of existence.

France international Kylian Mbappe was the first winner of the award with Christian Pulisic and Justin Kluivert finishing second and third respectively.

Chukwueze forms part of a star-studded list of players who all currently ply their trade across Europe with Jadon Sancho and Matthijs de Ligt the two favourites to win the accolade.

With 10 goals and four assists across all competitions last season, Chukwueze burst onto the scene with Spanish LaLiga club Villarreal.

The 20-year-old carried that form into the current campaign, duly attracting interest from some of the continent’s top clubs.

Full List of Nominees:

Vinicius Jr

Jadon Sancho

Kai Havertz

Matteo Guendouzi

Matthijs de Ligt

Andrei Lounine

Joao Felix

Moise Kean

Samuel Chukwueze

Kang-in Lee