Nasarawa United defender Victor Collins expressed surprise at his recent call-up to the Super Eagles squad but is excited about the opportunity.
Interim Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen included the solid defender, the only player from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), in his 23-man list for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Initially, Collins was invited to the Super Eagles B team, the CHAN squad, as they prepare for a qualifier against Ghana.
However, his performances evidently impressed Eguavoen, earning him a first senior team call-up.
“I was surprised when someone called and told me they saw my name on the list,” Collins told Afrik-Foot.
“I was in shock because I thought I would continue with the CHAN team, focusing on doing my best there. But then, I was called to join the big boys.”
Collins is eager to join the squad to learn from the seasoned defenders on the team. He shared his admiration for captain William Troost-Ekong, whom he looks up to as a role model.
“I’m looking forward to learning a lot from them, especially Ekong,” Collins said. “He’s the defender I admire most in the team—for his passion and everything he always puts in.”
Victor Collins this season for Nasarawa United
Since joining Nasarawa United from Remo Stars for the 2024/25 NPFL season, Collins has made seven starts out of ten games, clocking 630 minutes on the field.
He was an unused substitute in two games and left out of the line-up once.
His contributions have led to three clean sheets, with Nasarawa United winning three games, drawing one, and losing three.
While Collins has yet to register a goal or assist, his defensive stats are commendable: a 72% tackle success rate (54/75), a 30% interception rate, and a 50% clearance rate.
His passing accuracy stands at 85% (345/405), and he has won 60% (24/40) of his aerial duels.
