Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has declared himself ready for whatever role Sevilla head coach Matías Almeyda requires of him as the club prepares for Sunday’s high-stakes city derby against Real Betis, Sports Extra reports.
Ejuke, 28, has made 18 LaLiga appearances this season, contributing one goal and one assist, but has faced questions over consistency. Almeyda himself admitted ahead of the derby that he remains undecided on whether to start the Nigerian or use him as an impact substitute from the bench.
The winger, however, insists the debate does not affect his focus.
“It’s the same for me. I just want to be ready when the coach needs me,” Ejuke told Muchodeporte. “I don’t care if it’s from the start or off the bench; I want to help the team when I have the opportunity to play.”
Ejuke also spoke positively about the form of fellow Nigerian Akor Adams, emphasising how a confident striker lifts the entire attack.
“Of course, he’s our striker. Along with the other attackers, they’re all important. But it’s good when the strikers are feeling good, when they’re scoring goals, because that can give us even more during matches,” he said.
The derby arrives at a significant moment for Sevilla, who have lost only one of their last six league matches and are unbeaten in three. Almeyda’s side sit 12th in La Liga, five points above the relegation zone and six off the top seven, meaning a win over Betis would carry enormous weight.
Real Betis, fifth in the table, head into the fixture on the back of a strong run of form, having collected 10 points from their last four league matches. They have also won their last two derbies, including a 2-0 victory over Sevilla earlier this season.
Ejuke, who represented Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations and made two appearances as the Super Eagles finished third, will be hoping to play a decisive role on a night when the stakes could hardly be higher.