Crotone striker Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo is excited to receive a maiden call-up to Nigeria's national team after he was named in the country's 30-man provisional roster for the World Cup.

The 26-year-old has been a revelation in attack in the tail end of the season, netting six goals in his last seven matches in the one of the most competitive leagues in the world, the Serie A.

Simy was one of the two surprise additions to the list announced by the Nigerian Federation, the other being Kano Pillars frontman Junior Lokosa.

''I'm happy being part of the list and I can say it's a result of my hard work here in my team,'' said Simy to allnigeriasoccer.com.

''It's not about what I'm bringing to the team, instead it is about giving my best with the opportunity and becoming part of a great group of players is a great thing.''

Simy, who has cited Arsenal hero Nwankwo Kanu as his role model, plays as a typical number nine but can also be deployed as an offensive midfielder.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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