Super Eagles: Abdullahi Bewene’s 3 aims in Nigeria’s clash vs Russia

Super Eagles and Banik Ostrava defender Abdullahi Bewene has outlined three personal targets ahead of Nigeria’s friendly against Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, Afrik-Foot reports.

The versatile right-back and wing-back made his Super Eagles debut against Poland in June, featured against Portugal, but was left out of Eric Chelle’s September AFCON qualifier squad against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

His October recall for the Russia friendly gives him a competitive-tier audition his omission had denied him, and his pre-match comments confirm the personal targets he has set for the fixture.

Super Eagles: 3 aims Abdullahi Bewene has set for the Russia friendly

1. Prove he deserved an AFCON qualifier squad spot after September omission

The first aim Bewene committed to is the vindication of his September omission from the AFCON qualifier squad.

“Like I told you last time, I am very happy to be back in the national team after my previous outing before the World Cup, when we played Poland and Portugal,” Bewene told Footy-Africa.

“I would have loved to make the squad for the AFCON qualifiers, but I am still happy to be part of this team.”

Bewene did not hide his disappointment at the September snub, but his decision to state it signals a player who has used the omission as motivation rather than a reason to retreat.

The Russia friendly now presents a stage for him to prove to Chelle that the September call was wrong, and that he deserved inclusion alongside Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel in the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau rotation.

2. Help Nigeria get a positive result against a dangerous Russia side

The second aim is committed to the fixture. The Super Eagles are in Nizhny Novgorod, aware that Russia at home are a threat, and Bewene’s verdict confirms his respect for the opposition.

“It is always a good feeling when your talent is recognised and appreciated, and I am very grateful for this chance. I do not take it for granted,” Bewene added.

“Russia at home are very dangerous and will cause us a lot of problems, but we will be ready for them. We respect them, but we do not fear anyone.”

The framing captures the right psychological tone a Nigerian international should strike against a top opposition on their home soil.

The right-back’s acknowledgement that Russia will cause problems is honest, but his refusal to concede any psychological ground reinforces his competitive mindset.

“We will give it our best shot and hopefully get something from the game,” he continued.

3. Cement his place in Chelle’s long-term plans

The third aim is the long-term career target Bewene has tied to the Russia fixture.

“I am also happy that most of the group are within a certain age range, which means the coach is building for the future, and luckily, he sees me as part of that,” the Banik Ostrava defender said.

“Nigeria has a lot of talent, and for me to be here is a blessing. We will do our best to get a good result, which will boost our confidence going forward.”

The implication for Bewene is that his performance against Russia will play a key role in how he gets into Chelle’s long-term plan.

What success looks like for Bewene on Tuesday

For Bewene, the fixture might be the most important start of his young Super Eagles career. The right-back competition behind Aina, Osayi-Samuel and Alebiosu is tight, and his performance against Russia could change that.

For Chelle, the Russia friendly offers a competitive environment to assess options the November AFCON qualifiers will require.