AFCON Qualifiers: Nasarawa United FC Central Defender, Collins Earns National Team Call-up
*As Teenage Sensation, Shina, Gets CHAN Eagles’ Invitation
Nasarawa United Football Club says they are overwhelmed to announce that their central defender, Victor Collins, has received a well-deserved call-up to Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National Football Team, the Super Eagles, ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations'(AFCON’s) Qualifiers away to Benin Republic, Thursday, 14th November, 2024, and home to Rwanda on Monday, 18th November, 2024.
Collins who is the only home-based player included in the final 23-man list released by Coach Augustine Eguavoen to prosecute the AFCON Qualifiers, has been an instrumental part of the team’s progress in the current campaign of the Nigeria Premier Football League, consistently showcasing exceptional defensive skills and leadership on and off the pitch.
The club stated that they are proud to see Collins embark on this significant step in his career and represent our great nation on the international stage.
Victor was previously invited to the Team B of the Super Eagles by the Interim Coaching Crew led by Augustine Eguavoen alongside two of our great ambassadors, Anas Yusuf who is currently the League’s highest goalscorer with nine goals, and goalkeeper, Mohammed Galadima.
The defender caught the attention of the Technical Staff of the Super Eagles through his defensive solidity, awareness, prowess, and ingenuity during the camping programmes ahead of the CHAN Qualifiers against Ghana later in December, 2024.
In a statement released by the Director of Media , Nasarawa United FC, Eche Amos Today stated thus: “We are ecstatic about this development as this is as a result of his hard work, commitment and passion for the sport, and we have no doubt that he will, like our other ambassadors, make valuable contributions to the National Team.
“Nigeria which currently sit top in the Standings with ten points from four games, are also in the same Group D with Libya.
“The 35th Africa Cup of Nations Tournament will be held in Morocco, the second time the country will be hosting it, from December 21, 2025, through to January 18th, 2026.
“Guinea was initially slated to host the tournament, but due to inadequate preparations, Morocco stepped in as the new hosts after a second bidding process.
“Additionally, we are incredibly proud to announce that our talented teenager, Shina Kumater Junior, on Sunday, 3rd November, 2024, received his maiden invitation to the Team B of the Super Eagles.
“This heartwarming development comes ahead of the upcoming double-legged Championship of African Nations, CHAN, Qualifiers between Nigeria and Ghana later in December, this year.
“The seventeen-year-old attacking midfielder has been in phenomenal form since making his top-flight debut appearance for the Solid Miners in the current term, displaying astute skills, speed, and creating goals-coring opportunities.
“Like Victor Collins, Anas Yusuf, and Mohammed Galadima, Shina’s impressive performances caught the attention of the Super Eagles’ handlers, earning him a well-deserved spot among the country’s top domestic players.
“His versatility and adaptability make him a stand-out asset wherever he plays.
“This is the first time in the history of our Club that these numbers of players will be invited to the Senior National Football Team.
“While the current Management Board of Nasarawa United FC led by Mr. Solomon Babanjah would continue to create enabling environment for the growth and development of our athletes and staff through the continued support of the Nasarawa State Government governed by His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi Sule, whose disproportionate love for sports, particularly football, motivates us to work hard to attain the mandate given to us and the Club, we wish all our great ambassadors the best of luck, and look forward to watching them excel with the National Teams”.
