By Joshua Osinowo
FC Krasnodar’s defender Olusegun Olakunle has expressed heartfelt joy and gratitude following his first call-up to the Super Eagles.
In a heartfelt interview, the 23-year-old forward recounted his humble beginnings en route to his first international call up, describing his invitation as a ‘privilege and honour’.
“Playing for the national team is what every player dreams of, so finding myself now in the Super Eagles, I think it’s a privilege and it’s an honour for me,” the former youth international who featured for the Golden Eaglets at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, said.
“It’s not by my power or by my play, but I believe I can do better. I have to show myself, show the quality I have, and show everyone that I’m ready.”
Olakunle, who previously had stints with the national Under-15 and Under-17 teams, first appeared on the radar during the Under-15 camp in 2017.
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But he made a name for himself two years later in the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers where he finished as the top scorer and helped Nigeria qualify for both the continental cadre tournament in Tanzania and the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Brazil.
Despite Nigeria’s exit in the Round of 16 at the World Cup, the young winger’s talent was evident. That exposure opened doors to Europe, where he began his professional career in Denmark before switching to Russia.
“Coming to Denmark and making my first debut there was a big privilege and a great opportunity,” he said. “I played about 24 games with eight goals and six assists. It was a great season for me.”
He credited family for encouraging him as he braces for the challenges of playing for the Super Eagles.
“When I received the message, I thought it was too early,” the Kwara State-born Olakunle stated. “But my family told me ‘it’s not too early; you just have to go there and do your job as a professional’ and here I’m.”