Gaziantepspor defender Gbenga Arokoyo was excited to finally make his international debut for the Super Eagles in their 1-0 win over Mali on Friday.

Prior to yesterday’s game at the Stade Robert Diochon, the closest the Kwara Football Academy product had come to making his debut was in January 2012 when he was an unused substitute against Angola.

“Making my debut is the best feeling ever, I’ve been waiting for it for a long time, ” says Gbenga Arokoyo to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“I just want to keep doing what I am doing to break into the squad. I have to work hard, remain focused and dedicated.

“The defensive performance was excellent, everybody worked hard and it was a deserved victory.”

The 23-year-old was handed his international debut by interim coach Salisu Yusuf when he introduced him in the 88th minute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel