Gabriel Osho, the latest addition to the Super Eagles squad, has finally opened up about why he didn’t answer his first call-up to the Nigerian national team.
The 26-year-old Auxerre defender is set to feature in Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, but this isn’t his first time being summoned by the Super Eagles.
Osho’s initial invitation came during the post-AFCON friendlies against Ghana and Benin Republic under former coach Finidi George while he was still with Premier League side Luton Town.
His no-show back then left fans speculating, with many puzzled about why the promising defender opted out.
In an interview with the NFF upon his arrival at the Super Eagles camp in Abidjan, Osho finally addressed the situation.
He explained that an untimely injury had kept him from honoring the call-up, and he’s grateful for a second chance now that the timing feels right.
“When I was invited before, I couldn’t come because of injury and one or two other things, but, when this time came and everything kind of aligned and I’m just so grateful to God that I could finally join up with the team,” Osho explained.
Now settled in at Auxerre, the energetic center-back promises to bring a fresh spark to the Super Eagles.
Gabriel Osho knows the weight of expectations from Nigerian fans and aims to deliver with relentless effort and determination.
“I’ll just work as hard as I can, and I think that’s what the fans expect from every single player here. As long as everyone works as hard as they can; everyone is talented enough to be here.”
“So now it’s just applying that and the work ethic. That’s what I got; much hard work, and everything for the shirt.”
The Super Eagles are set to face Benin Republic on Thursday, followed by a clash against Rwanda four days later in Uyo.
