Nigeria call-up thrills Akwa United’s Olisa Ndah
By Akila Matawal
Akwa United defender Olisa Ndah has revealed his joy after being named in the Nigeria squad for next month’s friendly against Mexico.
The ex-Remo Stars player, who has featured for the Nigeria U23 and Home Eagles teams in recent years, was named in the Nigeria main squad — comprising 25 Nigeria Professional Football League players — for the warm-up game against El Tri.
In an exclusive chat with 234football, the centre-back admitted that he is excited about his call-up for the game against the CONCACAF champions, which will hold at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 4.
“I am glad and I am happy to be here. I am grateful to God for this opportunity,” the Delta native said.
“It is a great moment for me, and I thank my family, my fans, my coaches and my Akwa United team-mates for always being there for me.”
Ndah — who has been in impressive form for title-chasing Akwa United this season — arrived the Nigeria camp in Abuja on Tuesday.
Two of his Akwa United team-mates — Seth Mayi and Charles Atshimene — have also joined up with the Nigeria squad.
The 25-man list, which was compiled by Austin Eguavoen, will be trimmed to 22 ahead of the team’s departure to the United States.
Should all the three Akwa United stars make the final cut, it means the Uyo side would be without the trio for at least three games, beginning with this weekend’s trip to Katsina United.
It remains to be seen how Kennedy Boboye’s side will fare without the trio, but it is widely feared that their absence could well derail the Promise Keepers’ title ambitions.
The Uyo side are looking to conquer the Nigerian top-flight for the first time in their history.
They sit four points clear at the top of the standings but with just ten games left to play, any slip-up could prove costly.