The Real Reason Brian 'Abuja' Idowu Accepted To Play For Super Eagles Vs Argentina

Having rejected a call-up to the Nigerian national team ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Algeria in 2016, Amkar Perm defender Brian Idowu said he accepted to play for the Super Eagles this month because they qualified for next summer's football festival in his homeland.

Born in Saint Petersburg, Idowu has seen his profile rise in recent weeks after scoring eight minutes into his maiden appearance for the Super Eagles against Argentina on November 14.

''I was called for the first time in October-November when Amkar and I were going to high places in the league, we had a good start to the season,'' Idowu told Amkar Perm's official website, fc-amakr.org.

Asked why he accepted to play for Nigeria against Argentina, Idowu answered : ''The first reason is the World Cup. In addition, I wanted to check whether I can perform at a high international level, and the match was a match with Argentina.

''Also trust. A year ago, they called and called now, after the refusal for the first time. The club also agreed that I join the team.''

After debuting for the Super Eagles, Idowu has been nicknamed Abuja by some of his Amkar Perm teammates.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel