Banik Ostrava full-back Abdullahi Bewene was a bundle of delight after making his first senior international appearance for the Super Eagles in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Poland, Footynaija.com reports.
Bewene received a late call-up to the senior national team after injury and fitness concerns forced regular right-back options Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel to pull out of the squad prior to the game.
With more experienced senior internationals in his position unavailable, the 21-year-old defender was handed his maiden start alongside Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez and Igoh Ogbu in the Super Eagles backline.
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Despite enduring a shaky start, Bewene’s quality ultimately shone through as he delivered an impressive performance and played the full 90 minutes duration of the game.
Speaking after the game, the youngster revealed that his desire to please the Super Eagles’ fans inspired his composed debut outing.
“I’m very happy and very proud to represent my country, Nigeria. I’m ready to give more of this,” Bewene told Ubuntu Pitch.
“When I’m on the pitch, I’m ready to give my all. So, I just forget everything. There are plenty people in my country, I have to make them happy. I have to make myself happy. So, I have to give all.”
Asked by his interviewer whether Super Eagles fans should anticipate his continued involvement with the senior national team, Bewene opted to stay grounded.
“I will not say because the decision is from the coach. It’s up to him.”
With the likes of Aina, Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Frederick and Ryan Alebiosu all possible options to pick from on that right-hand side of the Super Eagles defense, competition will definitely be stiff in the future.
However, following his satisfying audition against Poland on Wednesday night, Bewene has certainly done well enough to deserve another opportunity in the senior national team.
