‘Simy’ Nwankwo Eyeing Super Eagles Return

Nigeria forward Simeon ‘Simy’ Nwankwo has targeted a return to the national duty after almost two years on the sidelines.

The FC Crotone striker was undoubtedly the biggest casualty when Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr named his squad for the Africa Nations Cup in Egypt last year.

He has since not returned to the team despite his form in the Italy Serie B where he steered Crotone back to the top division after emerging the season’s top scorer.

“When I went down, I knew the risks of losing that spot that I worked so hard to get to although I didn’t play more, which is perfectly understandable,” Nwankwo told ESPN.

“I met a team that was already structured with one of the best African strikers at the moment – Odion Ighalo. And it was normal, it was perfect for me to stay calm and learn and then watch how things are done. And then all of a sudden, I found myself out again, which is understandable.

“No grudges on anyone. I understand every situation because the national team of Nigeria is highly rated. So, if you want to be in the national team, you have to be in the big leagues. That I can understand.

“So now we are back up. I just have to focus, like always, on what I will do here. The only way I will get myself into the national team is about what I do here.

“This season, I’ve done well. That puts me in a good window to be looked into by the coaches and everybody that makes the decisions. I hope that in the future I will have my chance back again.”

The 28-year-old has scored 20 goals in 34 League appearances for Crotone this season and he is expected to shine in Serie A where there will be as strong completion from countryman Victor Osimhen who recently joined Napoli.

Nwankwo was among the Super Eagles stars who played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia where Nigeria failed to make it out of the group stages.