Abdullahi Bewene: Who is the Femi Azeez replacement in Super Eagles squad vs Poland & Portugal?

Youngster Abdullahi Bewene has added intrigue to Nigeria’s build-up to the international friendlies against Poland and Portugal this week, Afrik-Foot reports.

While much of the attention had been on established stars and Unity Cup heroes, 21-year-old Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene has quietly earned the biggest opportunity of his career.

The FC Baník Ostrava player has received his first-ever senior national team invitation from Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, as confirmed by his Czech club, Banik Ostrava. The call came at a crucial moment for Nigeria, with several important players unavailable for the June fixtures.

Bewene has already arrived in Warsaw and joined his teammates ahead of Nigeria’s clash with Poland at the Stadion PGE Narodowy on June 3. He is also expected to remain with the squad for the friendly against Portugal on June 10.

For a player who was still climbing through the lower levels of Czech football not long ago, the invitation represents a remarkable rise and a chance to show that he belongs among Nigeria’s growing group of European-based talents.

Abdullahi Bewene’s journey to becoming a Czech top-flight regular

Bewene’s journey to the Super Eagles has not been an overnight success story.

After arriving at Baník Ostrava in the summer of 2023 aged just 18, the Nigerian youngster followed a gradual development path. He spent time gaining experience with lower-division clubs Havířov and Kroměříž before featuring for Baník’s reserve side.

Those loan spells proved important. Rather than being rushed into top-flight football, Bewene was allowed to develop physically and tactically while adapting to the demands of European football.

His breakthrough eventually arrived during the 2025/26 season. The Nigerian made his first-team debut against Sparta Prague in September 2025 and gradually established himself within the squad. By the second half of the campaign, he had become a regular starter.

He finished the season with 25 appearances and provided an assist in Baník Ostrava’s 5-0 victory over FC Silon Táborsko in the promotion play-off return leg. That performance under pressure pointed to his growing maturity and ability to contribute in decisive moments.

Born on November 29, 2004, Bewene ends the season not only as a first-team player in the Czech top flight but also as a senior international.

Abdullahi Bewene’s qualities that xaught Eric Chelle’s attention

Although naturally a right-back, Bewene offers much more than traditional defensive qualities. One of his biggest strengths is versatility. He can operate as a full-back, wing-back, right midfielder or even as a wide player in systems that require aggressive attacking support from the flanks.

That flexibility is particularly valuable to Chelle, who has shown a willingness to alter formations during matches.

Bewene is known for his high work rate and stamina. He can make overlapping runs deep into opposition territory and still recover quickly to defend his position.

His defensive discipline is another important attribute. During a season in which he accumulated 1,645 minutes of football, he collected only three yellow cards, demonstrating both composure and intelligent positioning.

I Managed to Find the Highlights of Winger, Right wingback, right back and Midfielder😃

Abdullahi Bewene 🇳🇬✅️

Mr. Versatility 💯

Video Made by FOTSportcz ✅️ https://t.co/M5zX5JsOIr pic.twitter.com/haEcWhwuI4

— Naija🇳🇬 football news origin switches and more. (@NaijascoutforSE) June 2, 2026

The young defender is also comfortable carrying the ball forward and helping his team progress play through wide areas. His ability to maintain concentration late in matches has been praised by coaches in the Czech Republic.

At a time when modern football increasingly demands multi-functional players, Bewene fits the profile of the adaptable wide player Chelle wants in his squad.

Why the Super Eagles needed him so badly

Bewene’s call-up is not simply a reward for a good season but also a response to a genuine squad problem.

Millwall forward Femi Azeez had been expected to join the Super Eagles after impressing at the Unity Cup, where he scored twice against Zimbabwe and provided an assist against Jamaica. However, transfer-related complications prevented him from travelling.

The situation became even more complicated with the absences of several key attacking players, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alhassan Yusuf.

Samuel Chukwueze’s availability was also affected following the burial of his mother, creating further uncertainty on Nigeria’s right side.

As a result, Moses Simon became the only established natural winger available in camp. Nigeria suddenly lacked balance across the wide areas.

This is where Bewene becomes important. His ability to play as a right wing-back or right midfielder gives Chelle additional tactical options. The coach can use him in a back three system, deploy him as a traditional full-back, or even push him further forward to provide width in attack.

That versatility could make him one of the most intriguing players to watch during the friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

The upcoming days could deliver a dream senior debut for Bewene. Even more interestingly, it could offer Nigeria an opportunity to discover whether another emerging talent is ready to become part of the Super Eagles’ future.