Slavia Prague midfielder Suleiman surprised by first Super Eagles call-up

Slavia Prague midfielder Mubarak Suleiman says he was shocked to receive his first Nigeria call-up for the Super Eagles’ Group L Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Tanzania.

The 19-year-old was included in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the two matches, scheduled for Friday, November 13 and Tuesday November 17.

Suleiman said he had expected to be welcomed into camp but was still surprised by how warmly the established Nigeria players treated him.

“I’m happy to be here and since I came (to camp) everybody has been friendly which was not what I expected because I thought some of them will be giving attitude because they are big players,” he told the Super Eagles media.

“So I’m happy to be among them and my first training session was good and I think I learnt many things from them and it’s something I’ve been dreaming of because in 2021 I went for trial with the U-17 but it did not work out and back then I hoped another opportunity will come and when I got the call-up to the Super Eagles I was so surprised.”

Suleiman had believed his performances would eventually earn him an opportunity, but did not expect it to come with the senior national team.

“I believed my form was ok and an opportunity will come but I didn’t think the opportunity will come with the senior team. So, when I got the call-up I was so happy,” he added.

The midfielder said his selection prompted an emotional reaction from his family, friends and people in his village.

“My family was so excited, my mother was so emotional, she did not even expect that this kind of opportunity would happen so she was happy. My father, of course my friends, people in my village everyday was happy.”

Suleiman also spoke about the lessons he took from his first training session with the Super Eagles and his hopes of making an impact if selected against Tanzania.

“In my first training with the team I learned a lot of things, composure and the way they relate to others so I learnt many things from them and if I get the chance on the matchday I will try to use my opportunity and if I use it well maybe it will make the coaching crew call me next time.”

Suleiman was discovered at the Right2win academy in Abuja before moving to Slavia Prague in 2025.

He quickly made an impression in the club’s youth teams, scoring five goals in three UEFA Youth League matches, including games against Arsenal and Benfica.

He also began playing for Slavia’s reserve team in the Czech National Football League before being promoted to the first team in early 2026.

Suleiman made his professional debut for Slavia Prague on 8 February 2026, scoring in a 4–0 Czech First League victory over Mlada Boleslav.

He continued to feature and score as Slavia Prague won the 2025–26 First League, securing their 9th national Czech league title.