Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze is determined to play for Nigeria at big tournaments. 

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a week to remember. Having been named the Nigeria Football Federation’s 2018 Young Player of the Year, Chukwueze further backed up his talent with a goal and assist in Villarreal’s 4-4 draw against Barcelona on Tuesday evening. 

In total, the Nigeria International has scored four goals in 19 Spanish LaLiga appearances this season. 

“It serves as a motivation to keep working hard for more success,” Chukwueze told BBC Sport after receiving the award. 

“I’m very motivated and inspired by this, because it is unbelievable. Everything happening still seems like a dream. 

“I have dreams of playing for my country in big tournaments and this shows that if I put more effort into my career, personal and team rewards will follow.”

Chukwueze, who made his debut for the Super Eagles in November, will be eager to make Gernot Rohr’s squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.