Famalicão striker Umar Abubakar reached a career milestone with his call-up to the Nigeria squad for the international friendly against Russia on Tuesday, October 6.
Abubakar was among nine promising players handed their debuts by manager Eric Chelle in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Russia.
The others were Samuel James, Isaac James, Stephen Michael, Wilfred Igor, Chibuzo Nwoko, Vince Osuji, Peter Edokpolor and Abdullahi Umar.
The former Golden Eaglets star came on as a substitute at the start of the second half, replacing veteran forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
Abubakar earned his call-up after playing a key role in Famalicão's 1-1 draw against Sporting CP on September 13 by providing the stoppage-time equaliser.
The call-up came as a surprise to the young attacker, who admitted that the opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior international level filled him with immense pride and happiness.
"I wasn't expecting this at this moment. But I just received a call that 'come to play' and I was really happy, my family and friends also," Abubakar said to Famalicao's YouTube channel.
"It was a really proud moment for me, I was really happy and grateful."
Abubakar is eager to earn more Super Eagles call-ups and learn from experienced players like Kelechi Iheanacho to aid his development.
"And I want to do more and more to play for the national team. We have couple of players like Iheanacho, some good players in the squad so you have to learn from them, and they give you advice.
"It's good to go there and to have players like them in the team."
Abubakar has appeared in six matches in the Portuguese top-flight this term ahead of Famalicão's meeting with F.C. Alverca on Monday, October 12.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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