By Dayo Awoniyi
Gabonese striker Royce Openda has described his first senior national team call-up as a “dream come true” after being named in Gabon’s squad for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Nigeria.
The 21-year-old forward, who plays for Girondins de Bordeaux’s National 2 side in France, has been in impressive form in recent weeks, notably providing the match-winning assist in Bordeaux’s recent victory over Locminé — a contribution that continued the club’s strong run of results.
Speaking about the unexpected call-up, Openda admitted he was both surprised and honored to be selected given that he competes in France’s fourth tier.
“I didn’t expect to be called up to the Gabonese national team since we play in the National 2 division, even though it’s with Girondins de Bordeaux,” Openda said.
“This is my first call-up to the senior squad, although I’ve represented Gabon at all youth levels.”
For the young forward, the selection represents the culmination of years of dedication and steady progression through Gabon’s football ranks.
“It’s a new and exciting challenge,” he added. “I’m proud and ready to give my best for the national team.”
As Gabon prepare to face the Super Eagles in Rabat, Morocco, Openda’s inclusion brings renewed optimism to the Panthers’ camp and highlights the team’s ongoing strategy of blending emerging talents with established stars in pursuit of a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
