When Tyronne Ebuehi was first invited to the Super Eagles for the World Cup qualifier against Algeria there were conflicting news as to why he did not honour it. It later emerged that proper paperwork as per the invitation did not go through. He eventually arrived at the team’s London camp for the friendly Vs Senegal.
The Ado den Haag of the Eredivisie in the Netherlands defender made his debut in the friendly vs Togo a few months later. “I am blessed to be in the Super Eagles” Ebuehi says inside the Den Haag stadium exclusively to aclsports.com last weekend. “To be training with players like Kelechi (Iheanacho), Mikel (Obi), Iwobi (Alex) and these other guys in the Premier League is something I am very happy about. My competitive debut will come, I am still young” the 21 year old right back says.
Speaking of right backs, former Liverpool and England defender says “nobody grows up wanting to be a full back”. How about that, Tyronne? “I was playing in midfield when I started” Ebuehi says laughing. “As a young teenager I was a winger or attacking midfielder before I started playing full back here”. Would you rather play in another position? “Not at all. I love playing full back now and I have played this role for close to 4 years. I enjoy it”.
Ebuehi a keen student of the game loves watching others in his position and he tries to watch Kyle Walker of Man City closely “He is electric. He is always up and down, up and down that flank. He is one of my favourites”.
When Nigeria went to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 another young Nigerian defender then at Den Haag was in the squad and played all the matches – Kenneth Omeruo. “I want to emulate him and also be in the squad for the 2018 World Cup” Ebuehi says. “I believe we will qualify because of the quality of our squad”.
The competition for places for the right back slot is increasing with the availability of Hull City’s Chelsea loanee Ola Aina. This can only be good for Nigeria. “I am confident that as long as I keep playing well and regularly for my club I will get the chance to play and make Nigeria proud”.
He is a confident young man who has been grounded by his dad who he says always reminds him that he (Senior) was a very good footballer “I don’t believe him” he laughs heartily.
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