World Cup Rush: Boost for Nigeria as Onyekuru returns from injury

Henry Onyekuru scores a goal for Nigeria ahead of AFCON 2019

The Super Eagles’ attacking bluntness was exposed in their 2-0 loss to Serbia over the International break. The return of Everton’s Henry Onyekuru after a long spell on the sidelines, dating back to December 2017, will give Gernot Rohr a much needed headache in choosing who to put in his final 23 man squad for the FIFA world cup finals in June.

Onyekuru, 20, who is currently on loan at Belgian side, Anderlecht scored nine goals in 19 matches this season, making four appearances in the Uefa Champions League before his knee injury. In the prior to this one, Onyekuru found the back of the net, 22 times for Belgian side, Eupen which allowed for him to feature for the Super Eagles in their final world cup qualifying match against Algeria.

The young forward is ready to put shoulder to the wheel in the next two months for a place in Rohr’s charges.

I have to prove that I’m able and worthy to go and play - once I do that - it’s up to the manager to select the team.
— Henry Onyekuru with BBC Sport

Coach Rohr has also made it clear that the door is still open for any player to impress and earn their stripes.

Coach Rohr says the World Cup door has not been shut against any player and is happy that Onyekuru is back.
— Toyin Ibitoye, Nigerian Team Spokesperson
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