Dortmund Coach on Chukwuemeka’s Absence: “He Didn’t Look Right”

Borussia Dortmund manager Nico Kovac has clarified the absence of Chelsea loanee Carney Chukwuemeka from the squad that defeated Barcelona 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday night. The Nigerian-eligible midfielder, who has impressed since his January move, was left out due to a minor injury concern.

Kovac explained in a post-match interview that Chukwuemeka attempted to train ahead of the match but didn’t appear fully fit. “Carney tried, but his running didn’t look right,” Kovac said. “We didn’t want to take any risks because we want to have everyone on board in the coming weeks.”

Since joining Dortmund, the 21-year-old has made nine appearances across all competitions, scoring once and quickly becoming a fan favourite for his energy and flair. His performances have also attracted the attention of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who is reportedly monitoring the England youth international with hopes of securing his international switch to Nigeria ahead of the Unity Cup in June.

Chukwuemeka is expected to return to action in the coming weeks as Dortmund aim to continue their European run and Bundesliga campaign.

Editorial

When Carney Chukwuemeka’s name was missing from Dortmund’s squad list against Barcelona, eyebrows were raised. And rightly so. The young midfielder has been one of the most exciting revelations of the Bundesliga’s winter window mixing energy, intelligence, and technical class in every appearance. Thankfully, as coach Nico Kovac revealed, the issue was precautionary, not permanent.

But beyond the injury update lies a bigger story: the rise of a player once stuck in the shadows at Chelsea, now beginning to blossom in the yellow and black of Dortmund. This is what smart loan moves are meant to look like game time, development, and renewed confidence. And with Chukwuemeka, we’re seeing all three.

From a Nigerian perspective, his progress is being closely monitored. The Super Eagles have a midfield generation in transition, and players like Chukwuemeka talented, versatile, and hungry could play a big role in the next chapter. If Eric Chelle can persuade him to switch allegiance, it may turn out to be one of the smartest recruitment decisions in recent memory.

The key now is patience. Injuries happen, but Dortmund are playing it right: protect the player, not just the points. And when Chukwuemeka returns, expect him to pick up exactly where he left off—pressing, creating, and reminding the world that this loan spell is just the beginning.

Did You Know?

1. Carney Chukwuemeka was born in Austria to Nigerian parents but raised in England, making him eligible to represent three countries internationally.
2. He won the UEFA U19 European Championship with England in 2022 and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
3. Dortmund have a reputation for developing young talent, with players like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho breaking through before big-money moves.
4. Chukwuemeka made his Chelsea debut in August 2022 but struggled for consistent game time before his loan to Dortmund.
5. The Unity Cup in London this June is expected to feature several dual-nationality players as Nigeria assesses new talent for future call-ups.