SC Paderbon of Germany defender, Jamilu Collins has declared that he is targeting a starting shirt with the Super Eagles next weekend, as footballlive.ng learnt he aims to tie down the team’s left-back position.
Though he is new in the squad, and only got his debut last month in an exhibition match away to Liberia, the former Flying Eagles invitee believes he can bring a breath of fresh air into the left side of Nigeria’s defence.
Collins enthused further that playing in Germany would be a big boost to his chances, as Super Eagles’ technical adviser, Gernot Rohr is Franco-German and would always want to work with players who can understand his philosophy of the game.
The dark-skinned youngster, though, acknowledged that he will have to give his very best effort in training and leave the technical crew with the decision of naming their preferred choices for starting roles against Libya on October 13 in Uyo.
Nonetheless, Collins is quick to buttress his assets, and says his style of play is entirely different from that of other players who are pushing for the Eagles’ left back spot.
Collins, who was first called up by Rohr for the AFCON 2019 qualifier against Seychelles, is now seeking his first competitive outing for Nigeria at senior level, after injury stopped him in Victoria.
Since returning from international duty, he has been ever present for his German second division side and the Kaduna-born former HNK Rijeka of Croatia youngster says he can easily play the methods Rohr wants.
Collins added: “My aim is to start against Libya but the final decision lies with the coach and my performance in training is also key.
“Victory for the team is the overall goal of all of us and not who plays or who doesn’t.
“It’s very simple, quality players are in the Super Eagles team. You need to push for a spot but, for the left full back, I think I am a bit different.
“The playing style of the coach particularly in defence is no different from what am used to in Germany, probably because he is German.”
