Nigerian youngster knocking on Super Eagles doors misses out on award to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal

Nigerian youngster Christantus Uche missed out on the La Liga Under-23 Player of the Month award for February as Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal claimed the prestigious prize, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 17-year-old Yamal, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest prospects, was named the EA Sports La Liga U-23 Player of the Month after an impressive run of performances for the Catalan giants.

Yamal topped the final vote ahead of four other nominees, including Uche, Javi Guerra (Valencia), Javi Rodríguez (Celta Vigo), and Jesús Rodríguez (Real Betis). The award adds to Yamal’s growing list of individual accolades as he continues to shine for Barcelona.

Christantus Uche: Nigerian youngster’s February brilliance

Despite losing out to Yamal, Uche delivered an eye-catching display for Getafe in February, playing a key role in the club’s three unbeaten league matches during the month.

The 21-year-old midfielder found the back of the net in Getafe’s 2-1 victory at Girona. He followed that up with another dynamic performance in the 1-0 win at Deportivo Alaves before putting in a tireless shift in the goalless draw against Sevilla.

Uche’s consistency and versatility were pivotal as Getafe secured seven points from a possible nine. His performances earned him a well-deserved nomination for the La Liga monthly award — a significant recognition in his debut season in Spain’s top flight.

Super Eagles call beckons

The Owerri-born midfielder has been one of Nigeria’s brightest revelations in Europe this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 21 La Liga appearances.

His ability to operate as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, and even as a makeshift centre-forward has seen him become one of Getafe’s most important players.

Back in Nigeria, there are increasing calls for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to hand Uche his maiden senior national team call-up.

The youngster is tipped to be included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March — two matches that are crucial for the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.