Super Eagles new call-up Abdullahi Umar in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has expressed his feelings after receiving his first invitation to the Nigeria national team ahead of the upcoming international window.
“I am very happy with everything that has been happening to me in the past few days. Just like I told you the last time we spoke, I signed a new improved deal with my club and also received a national team invitation. I am not sure there is anything better than that, to be honest with you. It sounds like a dream for me too. When I first got the news a few weeks ago, I could not believe it, but deep inside, I was hoping it was true.”
“So, for me to now see my name officially on the list is a dream come true. Every footballer wants to play at the highest level with the national team, and I am no different. This is a childhood dream come true. The friendly against Russia will be a very big test for all of us, not just me, because most of the boys going into that game are new players who I think will be the future of Nigerian football.”
“I will do my best to show the coach that he did not make a mistake by picking me. If I get the chance to play, I will do my best and hopefully we win the game and make Nigerians happy,” he concluded.
The 19-year-old forward, who plays for Czechia side Hradec Králové, was handed his first senior international call-up by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle for the upcoming friendly against Russia.
Umar is among a new group of players under the age of 23 invited for a possible trial with the national U23 team, which is expected to begin preparations for the African qualifiers for the football event of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
