Super Eagles defender, Olisa Ndah has expressed his happiness having made his debut for Nigeria on Wednesday night against Guinea Bissau.
Ndah replaced Tyronne Ebuehi in the 76th minute during Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over the Djurtus in the final group game of the ongoing 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The Super Eagles sealed top spot in Group D, maintaining 100 per cent record in the group stage, scoring six times and conceding one, a spot kick against Sudan in their 3-1 win.
Ndah, who plays for South African giant Orlando Pirates was a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s AFCON squad, replacing Leon Balogun, but says he has been working hard for a call up.
“I was excited, I’m still excited,” Olisa Ndah told journalists after the team’s training session on Thursday evening in Garoua.
“For me, it’s something I’ve been working towards and I’m glad I got the opportunity.”
The 24-year-old won the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title with Akwa United last season before making the move to South Africa.
He was an unused substitute in Nigeria’s opening two games but says the defensive duo of William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo have been supportive in his transition.
“I’ve learned a lot, they have been so supportive, especially Omeruo, he has given me a lot of confidence, he is a good man and I am happy to be here.”
“It is a big boost to my career. This is my first time with the Super Eagles and my first Nations Cup and my first game, so, it is a big boost and I pray it keeps coming. I’ll keep doing my best and hope it works out for me.”
The Super Eagles will face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the round of 16 on Sunday in Garoua for a place in the quarter-finals. Ndah says Nigerians should expect a good game.
“Nigerians should expect a good game, we have started working on the upcoming game (against Tunisia), we have all the confidence and believe in our quality to go through,” he said.
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