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Nico Kovac hopes the Nigerian stays healthy until the end of the season.

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac and sporting director Sebastian Kehl have praised Carney Chukwuemeka after an impressive cameo against Union Berlin.

Carney Chukwuemeka extolled for Dortmund debut

The 21-year-old midfielder joined Dortmund on loan from Chelsea in January and made his debut as a substitute in Saturday’s 6-0 win over the Berlin outfit.

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Kovac described Chukwuemeka’s performance as “sensationally good”, praising his skills, technique and acceleration. 

“Carney came in and was sensationally good,” Kovac said. “We saw what skills he has and the way he takes possession of the ball and how quickly he turns and carries forward. That’s really unique. He has really good acceleration and technique. He’ll bring us joy if he stays healthy.”

Kehl also lauded Chukwuemeka’s ability, highlighting his movement, control and timing.

“He obviously lacks a bit of rhythm,” said Dortmund’s sporting director, after the game. “Because he hasn’t played for a long time. But you could see in one or two situations today that he is a player who is a lot of fun, who has good timing, who moves well between the lines and has good control.”

Chukwuemeka almost marked his debut with an assist, setting up Karim Adeyemi for a chance that hit the post.  

He then had a hand in BVB’s fourth goal, from which Serhou Guirassy completed his hat-trick.   

Chukwuemeka is on loan at Dortmund until the end of the season, with the German club having the option to make the move permanent.

What next for Dortmund?

Dortmund’s win ended the club’s two-match losing run, leaving Kovac’s side 10th in the Bundesliga. 

Kovac’s team travel to 15th-placed St Pauli on March 1, keen to secure consecutive top-flight wins for the first time this season.