Sevilla head coach highlights reason for Chidera Ejuke’s limited game time

Sevilla head coach Matías Almeyda has explained why Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has seen his playing time reduced this season, Afrik Foot reports.

Ejuke represented Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco between December and January and has endured a frustrating domestic campaign in terms of minutes.

The 28-year-old has featured in 16 La Liga matches for the record UEFA Europa League winners but has started just four of them.

Interestingly, he has just two goal contributions this season, a goal and an assist, all of which have come from the substitute’s bench.

Sevilla coach explains Ejuke’s limited game time

Speaking ahead of Sevilla’s clash against Deportivo Alavés, Almeyda explained his tactical thinking regarding the playing time of the former CSKA Moscow man.

“We have tested Ejuke in different positions, both left and right,” Almeyda said, as quoted by Eldes Marques.

“I think he is a determining player in the one against one situations, and there is always that doubt whether he can do that for 90 minutes or off the bench.”

The Argentine tactician hinted that Ejuke’s dribbling ability and unpredictability could be more effective against tired defences.

“Once the match is half defined, it is to provoke something more like what happened the other day,” Almeyda acknowledged in his press conference.

Ejuke has always been known to be a very skilful winger, but his poor end product has become something of a trait, and as such, he can only be useful against tired legs, as stated by Sevilla’s head coach.