Christantus Uche could easily pass as the 2024/25 breakthrough player of the Spanish La Liga, but despite his exploits, the 21-year-old is yet to earn a call-up to the Nigerian team.
The Getafe midfielder, whose immense versatility often sees him deputise as a striker for Pepe Bordalás’ outfit, has long been linked with earning a call-up to the Super Eagles.
However, despite these increased reports linking the young Uche to the Nigerian team, the midfielder is yet to earn that highly coveted call-up.
Uche was quick to remind Nigerians of the qualities and versatility he possesses with a stellar performance in Getafe’s La Liga win against Las Palmas.
🚨🇳🇬 Another assist for Chrisantus Uche, an assist in two consecutive games. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lqY9DbOVx4
— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) January 15, 2025
Still, talks of him earning a call-up to the Nigerian team appear far wide of the mark. Nonetheless, amid the versatile midfielder’s impeccable form with the Madrid-based outfit, a report detailing why he is yet to earn a call-up to the Super Eagles has surfaced.
Why Uche is yet to earn Super Eagles call-up
According to a fresh report from media outlet, OwnGoalNigeria, Uche's immense versatility may be both his greatest strength and the biggest obstacle preventing him from earning a call-up to the Super Eagles.
The report highlights how Uche has often been deployed in various positions, sometimes outside his traditional role, making it difficult for the Nigerian team's technical staff to accurately profile his position on the field.
Christantus Uche 🇳🇬 scored on his La Liga debut for Getafe.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) August 15, 2024
2 years ago, he was playing amateur football in Imo State 🔥
pic.twitter.com/02QbJm8QEJ
A member of the Super Eagles coaching staff, who requested anonymity, shared insight into the situation:
"Everyone knows Uche, and his regular appearances for Getafe are well recognised. Many label him as a midfielder, but he hasn’t played in that position once this season at Getafe. Former coach Austine Eguavoen took note of this and decided to leave him out because, in his current role as a striker, we have better alternatives."
"Uche has been playing as a striker this season. His agent approached Eguavoen to make a case, and he was told the same thing. As a striker, who can you say he is better than? You don’t call players for the sake of it, but I believe he will definitely get his chances soon," the staff member concluded.
Despite the confusion surrounding his role, it seems Uche is primarily viewed as a midfielder, boasting a 91% defensive action rate among La Liga midfielders, according to data from FotMob.
The next step now lies with new Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, who will have to decide whether to extend a call-up to the combative Getafe star.
