Mubarak Suleiman says Super Eagles call-up is ‘a dream come true’

Slavia Prague midfielder Mubarak Suleiman says his first invitation to the Super Eagles is “a dream come true” after his club form earned him a place in Nigeria’s squad.

Suleiman is with the team preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The call-up by head coach Eric Chelle is a significant step in the midfielder’s career and gives him the chance to train with several established Nigeria internationals.

Suleiman had been considered for a senior debut during Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia in October, but a residence permit issue prevented him from taking part.

He said his new team-mates had made him feel welcome, despite initially fearing that some of the more experienced players might be unapproachable.

“I’m happy to be here, and since I arrived, everybody has been friendly. I didn’t even expect this from them. I thought some of them might give me attitude because they are big players,” he told the NFF media team.

Suleiman described his first training session with the Super Eagles as an important opportunity to learn. He also recalled missing out on selection for Nigeria’s U17 national team in 2021, after attending a trial.

“I think I’m happy to be among them. My first training session was good, and I think I learned many things from them. It was something that I had been dreaming of,” he said.

“In 2021, I was in the U17 national team. I went for a trial, but it did not work out for me.”

The midfielder said he had continued to hope for another chance to represent Nigeria, but was surprised when the opportunity came at senior level.

“I knew my form in the team was okay, so I hoped that maybe an opportunity would come, but I didn’t think it would come from the senior team. When I got the call-up, I was so happy,” he added.

Suleiman’s recent displays for Slavia Prague helped bring him to the attention of the national team. He scored twice in a 4-0 Czech Cup win over Zbrojovka Brno on 27 October, then produced another two goals and an assist in a 5-0 league victory against Jablonec four days later.

Those performances led to a starting place against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on 4 November. He was replaced at half-time as Slavia Prague lost 2-1.

The news of his invitation was also warmly received by his family, friends and the people in his village.

“My mother was so emotional; she did not even expect that this kind of opportunity would happen. She was happy, and my father was also happy,” he said.

“My friends, of course, are happy, even the people in my village. Everybody is happy, including me, about my first training session with the team.”

Suleiman said training with established Super Eagles players had already taught him about composure and how to interact with others.

“If I get the chance on matchday, of course, I will try to make the most of my opportunities. If I use my chances well, that will encourage the coach and the staff to call me up again,” he concluded.