Umar Abubakar opens up on Super Eagles debut, names Iheanacho as inspiration

Famalicão striker Umar Abubakar has expressed his pride at making his Super Eagles debut, revealing that the opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior international level came as a surprise. According to All Nigeria Soccer, the former Golden Eaglets forward was among nine players handed their debuts by head coach Eric Chelle during Nigeria’s 3-3 international friendly draw against Russia on October 6.

Abubakar entered the match at half-time, replacing experienced striker Kelechi Iheanacho, whom he identified as one of the senior players he hopes to learn from. “I wasn’t expecting this at this moment. But I just received a call that ‘come to play’ and I was really happy, my family and friends also,” Abubakar said to Famalicao’s YouTube channel.

“It was a really proud moment for me, I was really happy and grateful.” The striker also expressed his ambition to secure further international opportunities. “And I want to do more and more to play for the national team. We have couple of players like Iheanacho, some good players in the squad so you have to learn from them, and they give you advice. “It’s good to go there and to have players like them in the team.” The 20-year-old has featured in six Portuguese top-flight matches for Famalicão this season.