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From ‘unknown’ footballer to W’Cup prospect, Idowu thanks Nigeria

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Russia-born Nigeria international Brian Idowu has expressed gratitude to Nigeria and Super Eagles Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr for availing him the opportunity to enjoy such ‘remarkable experience’ of playing on the international scene.

The Amkar Perm defender, who is born of a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, was invited to play for the Nigerian national team right after the team had qualified for the FIFA 2018 World Cup.

He made his debut with the Eagles in an international friendly against Argentina last November in Russia, where he scored a goal to help Nigeria win 4-2.

The 26-year old has since been with the team, featuring in the two friendlies against Poland and Serbia in March, and was included in the 30-man provisional World Cup list released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) two weeks ago.

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The Super Eagles are currently camping in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State ahead of the friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo billed for May 28 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Speaking to a Complete Sports reporter at the Uyo camp, Idowu said: “It’s been a remarkable experience for me. One minute nobody knew me and the next I have the chance to play at the World Cup. It is more like a dream for me, really. I will give my best always in order to justify the confidence of the coaches.

“My father’s from Nigeria and I know he’s always going to be proud of me. Besides Nigeria gave me the opportunity to play for the national team and I will be forever grateful for that,” he said.

The Super Eagles are billed to also play England in Wembley on June 2 and then Czech Republic on June 6 in Austria, before jetting out to represent the country in the World Cup finals in Russia.

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