The Porto forward reportedly turned down invitations from friends and avoided the competition altogether at first. Even Spain’s opening match was beyond him: while his mother watched downstairs, Aghehowa stayed upstairs, unable to face the screen.
That reaction speaks to the personal weight of missing a major tournament. His ambition had taken shape before he became a senior professional, and the injury arrived during a period when he appeared to be building momentum. The disappointment was not simply about losing a place in a squad; it was about seeing a long-held target disappear at the worst possible moment.
Aghehowa also recalled the support he received from the Spanish federation during his recovery. The account says he was invited to attend the final and received calls from the national-team coach.
“Fiquei muito nervoso, não conseguia acreditar. O carinho que demonstraram diz muito sobre a Federação. Aceitei sem hesitar e fiquei lá por alguns dias. Foi um gesto muito bonito,” he said.
That support appears to have helped preserve his connection with the national team at a difficult time. Rather than closing the door, the setback left Aghehowa with another reason to fight for a return.
Now back on the pitch, the priority is to rebuild rhythm and rediscover the sharpness that can put him back into Spain’s plans. Aghehowa described the return in emotional terms: “Esse pesadelo acabou. Voltei a me sentir jogador e a desfrutar do que mais gosto.”
The next run of matches for Porto will be important, but so too will be the next Spain selection window. A strong stretch of form could turn a story of absence into one of redemption.