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Papa Daniel, a midfielder for Niger Tornadoes, has expressed his surprise and joy after being included in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
Speaking to the NFF media team, Daniel admitted that his call up came as a shock:
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"I never expected it. I was just doing my thing. When I saw the provisional list, I was shocked. And when I saw the final list, I was like, 'Whoa!' I was very, very happy. Thanks to God because it’s not easy for me to be here."
Now in camp with the national team for the first time, Daniel said seeing senior players around him is a source of great motivation:
"Seeing the big boys in camp for the first time is a motivation for me to do more, to show them what I have, and to be humble."
He praised the warm atmosphere in camp and how welcoming the senior players have been to home-based call-ups like himself:
"They are all friendly. They encourage us, the home-based players. We never felt like we were not part of the team."
Papa Daniel also spoke about his eagerness to learn and improve, saying:
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"I love good footballers. When I see someone play, I know I can learn something. I admire them and pick things up."
As he looks forward to possibly making his debut on Friday in Kigali, Daniel promises to show both Nigeria and the world what he can do if given the chance.
Editorial
Papa Daniel’s and humility are refreshing qualities for a young player breaking into the Super Eagles setup. His call up is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiring story for home-based talents in the NPFL, showing that with dedication and strong performances, opportunities will come.
The blend of local and foreign-based players in Nigeria’s national team has always been a topic of discussion. Players like Daniel remind us that local leagues remain fertile grounds for raw, determined talent. His eagerness to learn and adapt bodes well for his future with the national team.
The challenge for Daniel now is to transition from promise to performance. If he gets minutes against Rwanda, how he handles that pressure could shape the trajectory of his international career. His presence also reflects a positive step by the coaching team toward integrating more homegrown players, which strengthens national football development.
Did You Know?
Papa Daniel plays for Niger Tornadoes, a club currently competing in the NPFL.
This is his first ever call up to the Super Eagles senior team.
The last home based midfielder to make a successful Super Eagles debut was Rabiu Ali, who has since captained the team in CHAN tournaments.
Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are crucial after a [shaky start](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/sports-betting/bet9ja/bet9ja-promotion-code/) in their group.
The Super Eagles have a history of using qualifiers to integrate emerging talents who later become national team mainstays.