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The Nigerian midfielder has been learning how to take set pieces from Tottenham’s star James Maddison.

Young Nigerian midfielder Chibueze Izuogu has opened up about his set-piece ability and the influence of Tottenham’s James Maddison on his technique.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports Nigeria, the 19-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at CSF Spartanii in Moldova, expressed his admiration for Maddison, highlighting their similar styles when it comes to executing free kicks.

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“I have been watching a lot of players play free kicks, but I love Maddison,” Izuogu said enthusiastically.

Izuogu’s dedication to mastering the art of free-kicks is evident in his rigorous training routine. He believes that consistent practice is key to refining his skills and achieving success on the pitch.

“We have a similar technique. I always practice; after training in the morning, I practice every evening. There are many free kick takers, but we (Maddison and I) have similarities, and he is very good as well. I try to copy his technique and add it to mine. It’s helping me.”

This commitment has already begun to pay off, as he made headlines earlier last year with impressive performances for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the African Games in Ghana.

During the African Games in Ghana, Nigeria was dumped out by Senegal but the performance of the then 18-year-old Izuogu was one major bright spark.

The youngster enhanced his growing reputation by rifling home an unstoppable free-kick to briefly make it 2-2 in the 50th minute before the Eagles conceded a third goal that knocked them out.

Maddison, known for his exceptional free-kick ability in the Premier League, has become a role model for many aspiring footballers, including Izuogu.

The young midfielder’s admiration for Maddison is not just about his skill but also about how he approaches the game.

“Watching him has shown me different techniques and how to approach free kicks,” the Enyimba youngster added.

As he continues to develop his game in Moldova, Izuogu remains focused on his dream of representing Nigeria at higher levels, including the Super Eagles.

With his talent and dedication, he aims to make a significant impact in both domestic and international football.

Izuogu’s journey reminds of the aspirations of many young Nigerian players who look up to established stars like Maddison in the popular Premier League for inspiration as they work towards their own dreams on the football field.