'Super Eagles is the best' - Jamilu Collins happy to return to the fold after 2023 AFCON snub

Cardiff City left-back Jamilu Collins was happy to return to the Super Eagles fold after missing out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Pror to Friday evening's meeting with Ghana, he had not featured in any game since his appearance in the 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last November.

The 29-year-old came on for Bruno Onyemaechi in the 85th minute as Finidi George sought to protect his side's two-goal cushion and inject some fresh legs.

The Black Stars reduced the deficit through a penalty from Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew but the left back and his teammates were able to see out the victory.

On his return to the side, the former Paderborn star couldn't hide his excitement and made a bold statement on the position of Super Eagles in Africa

"To be honest, it feels really good to be in this wonderful team. Obviously, Super Eagles is the best in Africa at the moment and I hope it stays for a long time for us and for our nation," Collins said. 

"For me, it is really a big privilege to be back and join the team straightaway. I am really happy for that."

Collins expressed his excitement about beating one of Super Eagles' fiercest rivals on the continent.

"A game against Ghana is not a game to joke with and so you saw the boys today, we took the game with all our heart and today we thank God we have the victory.

Asked about the preparation for the game against Mali, he said they are ready to play according to the coach' s instruction to get the desired results.

"We are going to play our football like our coach Finidi George said to us. We are going to play according to what he wants  and hopefully everything will work for us.

"To be honest, you know Mali is a good team but for sure we will play according to the instruction of the coach and hopefully we get our results."

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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