Abube Onuchukwu, a 2025 Flying Eagles invitee, scored a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser to help Ipswich Town U21s secure a 3-3 draw against Millwall in a Professional Development League fixture at Portman Road on Tuesday night.
The game saw Millwall take an early lead through a deflected goal by Sheldon Kendall, followed by a second goal from Jaiden Celestine Charles. Ipswich fought back with Afi Adebayo pulling one back in the 64th minute, only for Millwall to restore their two-goal lead. A late goal by Taylor for Ipswich set the stage for Onuchukwu’s crucial intervention.
In stoppage time, Somto Boniface delivered a cross from the left, which found Onuchukwu, who calmly tapped in from close range with his left foot to seal the draw.
Onuchukwu, a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, was officially invited to the Flying Eagles’ training camp in Katsina but has yet to report due to club commitments. Despite this, he remains hopeful of representing Nigeria at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, believing that his standout performances for Ipswich U21s could catch the attention of Coach Aliyu Zubairu.
Editorial
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Abube Onuchukwu’s last-gasp equaliser for Ipswich Town U21s is yet another reminder of the depth of talent among Nigerian youth players abroad. His performance underlines not only technical skill but also mental resilience and the ability to rise to crucial moments—qualities that Nigeria’s Flying Eagles desperately need ahead of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
However, his absence from the training camp raises important questions about how club commitments and national duty are balanced for young players. While exposure and competition abroad enhance player development, they can sometimes delay or disrupt involvement with national teams. The NFF and coaching staff must ensure better coordination so players can contribute to both club and country without conflict.
If Onuchukwu continues to perform at this level, it will be difficult for the Flying Eagles to ignore his talent. His story highlights the potential pipeline of future Super Eagles stars who are currently making waves in youth academies across Europe.
Did You Know?
- Abube Onuchukwu has scored four goals in his last seven appearances for Ipswich Town U21s.
- Ipswich Town’s academy has a history of developing players who have gone on to play in the English Premier League, including Kieron Dyer and Connor Wickham.
- Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have won the Africa U20 Cup of Nations a record seven times.
- The Professional Development League is one of the key youth competitions in England, featuring the best under-21 teams from across the country.
- Onuchukwu’s teammate, Somto Boniface, provided the assist for his equaliser and is also on the radar for future national team call-ups.
