Super Eagles: Why Ibrahim Buhari joined Austrian Wien – 2 key reasons revealed

Super Eagles invitee Ibrahim Buhari completed a move to Austrian club Austria Wien from Swedish side Elfsborg earlier in the summer transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Nigeria U23 international began his career with Plateau United in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) before moving to Elfsborg in 2022.

Buhari quickly became an important part of the Swedish side and spent four years in the country before deciding to take the next step in his career with a move to Austria.

The 24-year-old has since made three league appearances for Austria Wien this season, although the club have endured a difficult start to the campaign and currently sit bottom of the standings after four rounds of matches.

Buhari also represented Nigeria at U23 level in March 2023, featuring in the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games. However, the Dream Eagles eventually failed to qualify for the tournament.

Super Eagles: Why Ibrahim Buhari joined Austria Wien

Buhari is gradually establishing himself at Austria Wien and has already made three appearances for the club this season.

Speaking in an interview, the defender explained the reasons behind his decision to leave Elfsborg and join the Austrian side. One of the major factors was his desire to put himself back in contention for the Super Eagles.

Buhari had previously received a call-up to the senior national team in 2022 while he was still at Plateau United for friendly matches against Mexico and Ecuador during the June international window.

However, he did not make an appearance in either game. The defender is now keen to return to the national team setup under head coach Eric Chelle, especially at a time when the Super Eagles are going through a period of rebuilding.

Buhari believes establishing himself in Austria and continuing to improve could increase his visibility and give him a better chance of earning a regular place in Chelle’s plans.

“The two leagues are similar, but the competition is just as tough, if not tougher”, Buhari told Footy-Africa. 

“I have to keep improving so as to play regularly and hopefully catch the attention of the Nigerian coach.

“It is every player’s dream to play for their country, and mine is not different. I have had a taste of the national team with the U23s and the home-based team, but I think I am now ready for the Super Eagles.”

A new challenge after four years in Sweden

Buhari also identified the need for a new challenge as another major reason behind his decision to leave Sweden.

After spending four years at Elfsborg, the defender felt it was time to test himself in a different league and continue his development. He also wants to compete for trophies and believes the move to Austria can help him take another step forward in his career.

“Coming here was for a new challenge after the time I spent in Sweden, which was my first time playing for a foreign club,” Buhari continued.

“When I got to Sweden, the system there was quite different from what I was used to at Plateau United in the Nigerian league, but I was able to adapt fast.

“I learned a lot there in Sweden, but as a footballer, there comes a time when you want to test yourself and see how far you have come as a footballer and as a person. When the deal to Austria came, I decided to take it, and right now I am enjoying the challenge, which will help me become a better player all round.

“The Austrian league is tough and physically demanding, but it is something I am now used to,” he added.

“The most important thing is to keep working hard to help my team win titles, and then hopefully get another call for the Nigeria national team.”

Buhari will return to action with Austria Wien against WSG Tirol on Wednesday night as they look to return to winning ways and begin their climb up the Austrian Bundesliga standings.