Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha said he was shocked when he learned he was called up to the Super Eagles squad for the very first time, Afrosport reports.
The 23-year-old was among four players who received their maiden call ups to the national team by new coach Eric Chelle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Mustapha stated it was something he never thought would happen but is delighted it is now a reality.
“I never expected it. I was just doing my thing,” he said. “When I saw the provisional list, I was shocked. I was like ‘Oh, okay’. And when I saw the 23-man list, I was very happy. Thanks to God, it’s not easy to be here.”
He added: “Seeing the big boys in camp, my first time with the Super Eagles, I was so happy. It’s motivation to do more, show what I have, and stay humble.”
Papa Daniel on his reaction following his call up into the NT #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/2cqJcgoIaU
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Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 18, 2025
Mustapha was part of the Super Eagles B team that qualified for the 2024 African Nations Championship after a six-year absence.
