This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
AFCON 2019: Nigeria's Chukwueze Sets Record as Youngest Player to Score in Egypt ¶
July 11, 2019
Nigeria's Villarreal youngster Samuel Chukwueze made history at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations by becoming the youngest player to score in the tournament. The 20-year-old winger opened scoring for the Super Eagles in their semifinal clash against South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium.
Chukwueze's goal was canceled out by a VAR-assisted goal from Bongani Zungu, but Nigeria took the lead for the second time in the meeting after William Troost-Ekong threw himself into a Moses Simon's corner kick and found the back of the net in the 89th minute.
The Super Eagles' 2-1 win over South Africa secured their spot in the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Algeria vs Ivory Coast. Chukwueze's impressive performance earned him the man of the match award, and he could be joining a top club this summer after being linked with a move away from Villarreal.
Chukwueze has been one of the standout performers in the tournament, showcasing his enterprising style of play. He has made four appearances for coach Gernot Rohr's side since the start of the competition last month and has scored five goals and assisted two others in 25 La Liga appearances for Villarreal last campaign.