Hradec Králové forward Abdullahi Umar in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has stated that he is ecstatic over his performance for Nigeria, after the Super Eagles fought hard to earn a 3-3 draw against hosts Russia in an international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.
A visibly elated Umar told Footy-Africa that he was happy with his assist and the team’s overall performance, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to earn his first senior cap.
“To be honest with you, I do not even know how I feel, because it still feels like a dream to me,” he said. “For me, being invited in the first place is an honour, as it has always been my dream to play for Nigeria, and when my club told me about it, I was very excited.”
“Meeting the likes of Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho, players I have admired from afar, was a beautiful thing, and they treated me and the new guys with love and respect. When I was told to come in, I told myself that it was a chance for me to show myself, and that I had to do my best, because those chances do not come all the time.”
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“I was not nervous, because the coach had given me confidence before coming onto the pitch and told me to just be myself. That was my motivation to go out and do my best, and I am happy I was able to contribute to us getting the draw.
“When the ball came to me, I saw senior man Akor running into the space between the two defenders, and I decided to cross the ball to him, and he scored, which made me happy. Getting an assist in my first game for my country gave me joy. I hope I will continue to score more and assist more if given the chance,” he added.
Umar was introduced at the start of the second half, replacing Kelechi Iheanacho, who had scored Nigeria’s opening goal.
With Nigeria trailing 2-1, Umar had a chance to level the game, but his tame shot was saved.
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After Peter Edokpolor scored to make it 3-2 to Russia, Umar led a breakaway for Nigeria and squared the ball to Akor Adams, who finished to make it 3-3, which was how the game ended.
