John Nwankwo forward was the strange name in the starting lineup of Elche ahead of their game against Atletico Madrid which ended 3-1 in favour of the Madrid based side.
For Nwankwo he lasted 45 minutes before getting substituted which what looked more like a tactical switch made by the team during the half time break as they were 0-2 down.
The 20 year old operated as a centre back but he is more at home as a midfielder and that was the role he played when he made his debut in the 2-1 Copa Del Rey win over CD Bunol three days ago.
Even though his LaLiga debut lasted just 45 minutes his rise from the B team of Elche to the main team in less than a year is a testament to how highly rated he is at the club.
Signed from the C team of Villarreal in the summer he was immediately sent to the youth team who are in the lower division in order for him to get regular run of games to aid his development.
He holds Spanish citizenship but his Nigerian roots means the national team selectors of the various national team of Nigeria will have to put an eye on his progress.
For now he hasn’t represented any of the nations he is eligible to play for which means he won’t be needing a nationality switch if he decide to commit his international future to Nigeria.
