Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede has provided insight into the surprising call-up of Nasarawa United central defender Victor Collins to Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Fans and analysts alike have questioned Collins’ inclusion, with some prominent figures in the NPFL community suggesting he is not one of the outstanding centre-backs in the league.
Addressing the decision, Ogunmodede disclosed that Super Eagles head coach Austine Eguavoen, who personally scouted the defender, saw unique qualities in him.
Collins tapped for a key role in Super Eagles setup
“Collins, the head coach felt that we needed a left-footed centre-back, and presently in the league we have Collins that has to a reasonable extent proved his worth,” Ogunmodede stated.
“This is to show that the head coach is doing a massive job. He has gone around the country to watch the league and in Victor Collins, he has this utmost belief, having watched him two, three times in the league.
“Possibly, he is the strongest left-footed centre-back we have in the Nigerian Premier League.”
Collins, the only home-based player in the Super Eagles squad, brings both size and aerial prowess, traits compared by fans to Nigerian defensive great Uche Okechukwu.
Known for his physical presence, he is set to add a unique profile to Nigeria’s backline, especially given the rarity of left-footed centre-backs in the league and even in the modern game.
Nigeria will play Benin at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on November 14, before facing Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo four days later.
