By Daily Sports Nigeria on May 8, 2026
Spanish publication AS has nicknamed Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke ‘Jay-Jay’ after Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha, following a dazzling display against Real Sociedad that earned him rare praise from his coach and renewed interest from several Premier League clubs, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The comparison came after Ejuke, making only his second start of the season for Sevilla, produced an eye-catching performance filled with intricate dribbles that drew comparisons to Okocha’s signature style, while also recovering 11 balls in a showing that addressed long-standing concerns about his defensive contribution.
Sevilla coach Luis García Plaza said Ejuke would keep his place as long as he maintained that level of commitment across both phases of the game.
“This Ejuke, at this level, always has to play. But it has to be at this level of sacrifice, work and everything. He has to take that step in what he has done today — cover his full-back, run with his full-back, position his full-back, not just what he does in attack,” the coach said.
The performance could not have come at a better time for the 28-year-old, who had not started a league match since Sevilla’s derby defeat to Betis at the start of the season.
His lack of defensive discipline had kept him out of the starting eleven for five months before García Plaza handed him the opportunity against Real Sociedad.
The outing has now attracted attention beyond Spain, with several mid-table Premier League clubs understood to be monitoring Ejuke ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
The interested clubs believe his explosiveness, dribbling ability and one-on-one qualities make him well-suited to English football.
Sevilla, who are working to restructure their finances, are believed to be open to selling Ejuke if a suitable offer arrives.
He joined the club on a free transfer in 2024 following the expiry of his contract with Russian side CSKA Moscow and has registered one goal and one assist in 24 league appearances this season.
Source Punch Ng
Posted May 8, 2026
You may also like...
Boxing may be axed from Olympics
West Ham Inflict First Defeat on Spurs at...
Eze Shoots Crystal Palace To Victory Over Wolves...
Fast-Rising Chukwueze Determined To Conquer His Dreams
Djokovic ends Miliman's run in US open
Agent to drag Dobrev to FIFA over contract...

Major Boost For Anambra Football As NFF Approves Federation Cup Quarter-Final In Awka
SWAN, Anambra FA Resolve Over 2-year Feud
Durosinmi weds lover after leaving Eagles camp
Olise can be France’s breakout star at 2026 World Cup — Clichy
NWFL Super Six: Edo Queens’ chances still bright – Enabulele
Joshua hints at MMA crossover
Betcamp unveils Siasia, Mighty George as ambassadors
Olopade charges federations ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games
Ofili, Nathaniel lead Nigerian entries for Lone Star Grand Prix
Shakira, Burna Boy to perform official World Cup song at opening ceremony
Carding App Launches ₦400 Million World Cup 2026 Prediction Event for Football Fans
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Nigeria's Pathetic World Cup Story (PART TWO) Dire Consequences of snubbig Oliseh's Wake-up call
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,839 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,167 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,120 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,685 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,591 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,489 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,322 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,891 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,070 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,571 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (48,002 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,449 views)