Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Ogunmodede has shed light on the selection of Nasarawa United’s central defender Victor Collins, for Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers.
Nigeria will play their final two matches in the AFCON qualifiers this window – against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Interim Super Eagles head coach, Austin Eguavoen named 23 players including Victor Collins.
Collins was the notable inclusion, and a surprise choice. The CB is the only first-time invitee on the list, as well as the only NPFL player called up.
Victor Collins earned his first call up to the Super Eagles.
Ogunmodede explained the choice of Collins, who also made the squad for next month’s CHAN qualifiers against Ghana.
“The head coach felt that we needed a left-footed centre-back, and presently in the league we have Collins that has to a reasonable extent proved his worth,” Ogunmodede said.
“He has gone around the country to watch the league and in Victor Collins, he has this utmost belief, having watched him two, three times in the league.
Eguavoen with his assistant, Daniel Ogunmodede. Photo | X (CoachDan_Ijabal)
“Possibly, he is the strongest left-footed centre-back we have in the Nigerian Premier League.”
On November 14, Nigeria will face Benin at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, before returning home to play against Rwanda, four days later.
The Super Eagles top group D with 10 points, and need just one point from these matches to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
