Ola Aina, Arthur Okonkwo and Moses Usor have spoken of their excitement at being part of the Super Eagles squad ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar in Uyo.
Aina is back with the national team after a lengthy injury absence and is pleased with the competition created by the arrival of new players.
‘It feels good to be back,’ the Nottingham Forest defender said. ‘I’ve been out for quite a while, so it’s nice to see the boys again and be around the team.’
He also praised the quality of the new faces, including George Ilenikhena, Usor and Isaac James, but stressed that attention must now be on the task against Madagascar.
Goalkeeper Okonkwo is equally pleased to be back after making his senior Nigeria debut at the Unity Cup earlier this year. The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper has set ambitious targets for his international career.
‘I want to win the AFCON and compete in the World Cup,’ Okonkwo said.
The 24-year-old, who faces competition from Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, said his immediate objective is to keep learning and improving.
For Usor, the latest camp carries extra significance. The LASK forward missed an earlier opportunity to join the national team because of injury and described his first senior camp as a dream come true.
‘I feel good and I am really happy to be here,’ he said. ‘It was an amazing feeling because it was everyone’s dream to play for the national team.’
Usor said the players are fresh and motivated but warned against thinking about the September 29 trip to Guinea-Bissau before dealing with Madagascar.
‘It is one game after the other,’ he said. ‘We focus on Madagascar and talk about the Guinea-Bissau game after.’