Unity Cup: the new Super Eagles forward in “shock” by the invitation

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) made public two days ago the list of players who will represent Nigeria in the Unity Cup tournament in London and in the friendly matches against Poland and Portugal respectively.

One name that featured on both lists was 23-year-old Plymouth Argyle striker Owen Oseni, as we exclusively reported a week ago.

In addition to being on the list for the Unity Cup, he is part of the group that will play Poland and Portugal next month in friendly matches prior to the World Cup.

He said he still finds it hard to believe he will be part of the team.

“I know I had a good season, but to be called up for a country where there are over 240 million people and probably 50% want to play for their country was a big deal for me, so I was really excited,” Oseni told BBC Sport.

“The coaches were watching me, they obviously noticed the form I had achieved towards the end of the season.”

Oseni found the net three times in Plymouth’s last four games in their League One campaign, where they narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

The Irish-born striker finished his first spell in the English Football League with 10 goals in 33 appearances, having joined Plymouth last summer from Scottish side St Mirren following a spell with National League club Gateshead.

Oseni is eligible for Nigeria through his father, while his mother is from the Ivory Coast, meaning he could represent both the Elephants and the Republic of Ireland.

“I would love to represent any country at the national level,” he says. “It’s huge for me and for my career and for Nigeria, the Super Eagles, when they came knocking, it was a decision I couldn’t turn down.

“I didn’t think there was a chance that could happen. All I know is that work hard and a lot of doors could open, but I definitely didn’t think I would be one of them.”

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

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