Boost for Sevilla and Eric Chelle as Ejuke recovers to full training

Sevilla have received a timely boost ahead of their La Liga clash with Athletic Club, as Nigerian forward Chidera Ejuke returned to full training on Wednesday following an injury-enforced absence. This news brings relief not only to Sevilla’s head coach Matías Almeyda but also to Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle, who is preparing to finalise his squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers within the next two weeks.

Ejuke’s return comes with an important fixture calendar ahead. Nigeria will face Rwanda in Uyo on 6 September before travelling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa three days later. The 27 year old has yet to feature under Chelle, with his last national team call-up dating back to October 2024 during the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers.

At Sevilla, the timing could not be better—Sunday’s trip to San Mamés awaits, followed quickly by challenging early-season fixtures against Girona and Getafe. Ejuke, known for his pace, creativity, flair and versatility, is expected to inject dynamism and flexibility into Sevilla’s frontline. While it remains uncertain if he will start immediately, his participation in full training signals he is close to match fitness, offering hope to both club and country.

Editorial

We welcome this news with much enthusiasm. Chidera Ejuke’s return to full training speaks volumes—not just for Sevilla’s immediate plans, but for Nigeria’s hopes in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. It is no small matter for a forward to step back into the intense demands of training after an injury.

We see this as a timely morale boost. Eric Chelle will now have another viable offensive weapon as he finalises his summer squad. The chance to integrate pace, creativity and versatility into the team cannot be underestimated, especially when fixtures approach fast and choices narrow.

What stands out to us is Ejuke’s adaptability. The ability to perform on either wing or even centrally offers Almeyda greater tactical freedom. It also suggests that, should he gain full match fitness in time, Ejuke could influence high-stakes moments both for club and country.

We also reflect on the dual pressure. Meeting Sevilla’s early-season expectations and preparing for national duty simultaneously is no small juggling act. Yet, the timing of Ejuke’s return could well allow him to meet both demands effectively.

We are optimistic. With fitness nearly restored, Ejuke may yet prove pivotal in upcoming matches—both for Sevilla’s La Liga campaign and Nigeria’s World Cup journey. We hold onto that belief, and believe in the promise of this moment.

Did You Know?

1. Chidera Ejuke began his European journey with Dutch side Heerenveen before moving on to CSKA Moscow and later to Belgium’s Genk.
2. Prior to joining Sevilla, he earned a reputation as a creative powerhouse in the Russian Premier League, ranking among the league’s top assists providers in the 2023–24 season.
3. Ejuke’s pace has been clocked at over 36 km/h during competitive matches—making him one of the quickest players in European football.
4. Nigeria last secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup in 2022, with the team currently aiming to replicate that feat under Eric Chelle’s guidance.
5. Sevilla’s San Mamés trip marks a historic fixture—Athletic Club stands out for their long-standing policy of only recruiting players from the Basque region, adding unique intensity to the encounter.