Tanzania-based defender Benjamin Tanimu is eager to wear the national team jersey for the Super Eagles after he was handed his first call up into the team on Saturday, Sports Extra reports.
The former Bendel Insurance defender was named among the 27 players invited for the friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in Morocco later this month.
Nigeria will take on West African rivals Ghana at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Friday March 22 and also play on Tuesday March 26.
In anticipation of his meeting with some of the players he calls his idol, the 21-year-old centre back is rearing to go in the national team after featuring for the U-23 team last year.
“It’s God’s doing,” Tanimu told Sports Extra. Related News CAGED! NFF begins search for Peseiro’s replacement Taribo my best Eagles player – Singer, PDSTRN
“This time last year, I was also invited to the U-23 team. I’m glad to have been invited to the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the upcoming international friendlies against Mali and Ghana. It’s huge progress for my career.
“Clarion call heard and I’m ready to serve Nigeria with all strength,” he said.
Before joining Ihefu of Tanzania in January, Tanimu was a consistent figure in Bendel Insurance’s defence in the Nigeria Premier League since their promotion to the topflight in 2023.
He scored two goals in 19 appearances before making the move and was also part of their unprecedented 21-game unbeaten run in the league last season.
He also played a key role in their 2023 Federation Cup triumph.