My World Cup dream on course with Nigeria ―Idowu

 

Super Eagles right-back Brian Idowu has said that his dream of playing at the 2018 World Cup is on course with his decision to play for Nigeria according to kwese.espn.com.

The Amkar Perm of Russia player, who on Tuesday made his international debut when Nigeria defeated Argentina 4-2 in a friendly in Krasnodar, Russia.

Idowu, who came on as a substitute for Ola Aina in the 46th minute, also capped his debut with a goal which put the Super Eagles ahead for the first time in the match {3-2} before Arsenal star, Alex Iwobi nailed the Argentina with his second for the day.

“I feel great [with Nigeria] I have been well received by both players and coaches. The atmosphere is very positive. For me this is a huge chance and experience.

“As for why I’m not playing for Russia, I shouldn’t be asked this question. I want to go to the World Cup with Nigeria, because they believed in me,” said Idowu, who acted as translator during the news conference by Nigeria before Tuesday’s clash with Argentina.

Nigeria manager, Gernot Rohr, started Idowu’s journey to the Super Eagles last November before the dream eventually came to pass on Tuesday.

“Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr contacted me and told me that he is following me,” Idowu said in November 2016. “He wanted to invite me to the squad, but that was impossible because I don’t have a Nigerian passport.

“{Gadzhi} Gadzhiev said that such a call is not incidental, and I should keep progressing. He advised me to wait and see if I get called by Russia as well. I don’t see why I can’t play for Russia if I keep getting better, but they have good players like Mario Fernandes [CSKA’s Brazilian-born right-back] in my position. They don’t miss me.”

Rohr also confirmed Idowu’s statement before the friendly against Argentina.

“A year ago, Idowu was invited to the national team, but then he did not play because of the difficulty with the limit on the foreign players in the Russian championship.

“But now the situation has changed … I look forward to Brian not only as a good interpreter in Russia, but also as a fully-fledged player who will make the World Cup roster,” Rohr told Sport Express Russia before the game.