Super Eagles newcomer Abdullahi Bewene in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has described his first invitation to the Nigerian national team as the biggest moment of his football career, admitting that representing the country has always been a lifelong ambition.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, the excited winger has said the call-up came as a pleasant surprise and remains a moment he will never forget.
“I am honored and joyful for this great privilege that I have been given, as it is everyoneโs dream to represent their country, and mine is not any different,” he said. “When I got the news, I was excited because it came out of nowhere. I got a hint from Igho (Ogbu), who is a friend, but I kept my fingers crossed.”
“I got the call and my club was also notified of my invitation. The club are excited too and did not hesitate to release me.”
Getting through the paces๐ฆ pic.twitter.com/dUa6elo9sm
โ ๐ณ๐ฌ Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 2, 2026
The 22-year-old added that he is determined to make the most of the opportunity and prove his quality on the international stage.
“It is a great opportunity for me to help my country and also play for the Super Eagles, which has been my dream since I started playing football. Seeing all the big players and training with them is an honour and an experience I will cherish for a very long time,” he added.
The winger received a late call-up to Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal following a series of withdrawals from several key players after the Unity Cup.
Among those unavailable are star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, prompting head coach Eric Chelle to turn to the in-form Viktoria Plzen attacker.
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Bewene has already joined up with the squad as preparations continue for the two fixtures, with the Super Eagles set to face Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium before taking on Portugal a few days later.
Bewene will now hope to impress Chelle during the two friendlies as he seeks to establish himself in Nigeria’s plans ahead of future competitive assignments.
