“A Country of 240 Million” — Owen Oseni Delighted with Super Eagles Call-Up

Irish-Nigerian-Ivorian forward Owen Damilola Oseni has earned a late call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup as well as upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal. This comes after an impressive breakout season with Plymouth Argyle.

Born in Waterford, the talented 23-year-old was eligible to represent Ireland, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria, but he has now committed his international future to the three-time African champions.

He plays as a centre-forward for Plymouth Argyle, an English third-division club in England’s League One. He is the first Nigerian player in recent memory to earn a Super Eagles call-up from a third-division club.

Oseni’s invitation comes after a brilliant campaign where he registered 15 goal involvements (10 goals, 5 assists) in 33 appearances, proving he has what it takes to compete at a higher level.

Speaking to BBC after his first Super Eagles invitation, forward Owen Oseni said…

“I know I had an alright season, but to get called up for a country where there’s more than 240 million people, and probably 50% want to play for their country, was quite a big deal for me, so I was really buzzing,” Oseni told BBC Sport.

“The coaches were watching me, obviously, they picked up on the form I’d hit just towards the end of the season.”

With the Unity Cup now a few days away, all eyes will be on whether the exciting forward can make his senior debut in this tournament and announce himself on the big stage.