“I will show Nigeria”- left-footed Super Eagles star sends clear message to Rwanda and Zimbabwe

Super Eagles new invitee Papa Daniel Mustapha has expressed happiness at getting his maiden call-up and has promised to produce a top performance is he gets the opportunity to make his debut, Soccernet.ng reports.

Niger Tornadoes star Mustapha is in the Super Eagles for just the first time in his career. The 24-year-old midfielder has been impressive for Tornadoes this season, and that is what got him the call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.

Mustapha was one of the first set of players to arrive in camp. In a recent interview, he expressed his happiness at being in camp with the other top players.

“I never expected it (the call-up), I was just doing my thing. When I saw the provisional list, I was shocked. And when I saw the  23-man list I was very happy,” Mustapha told NFF TV.

“Thanks to God, because it’s not easy for me to be here. Seeing the big boys in camp being my first time in camp is like a motivation for me to do more and show them who I am.”

Papa Daniel on his reaction following his call up into the NT #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/2cqJcgoIaU

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 18, 2025

The Super Eagles have some quality players who can play in the defensive midfield position like Wilfred Ndidi and Raphale Onyedika, but Mustapha is optimistic that he has a shot at getting his debut.

The Tornadoes star has a wicked left foot and is very tricky on the ball. So, this could be an asset for Eric Chelle. Ahead of the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Mustapha is confident that he will amke a good impression if he gets the opportunity.

“Of course, I’ll be very very happy if I have the chance, I will show Nigeria and the world what I can do,” he added.

Who is the new Super Eagles boy Papa Daniel Mustapha?

Papa Daniel Mustapha is a defensive midfielder who currently plays for Nigerian Premier League club Niger Tornadoes. The 23-year-old star has attracted a lot of interest with his impressive style of play.

Mustapha is a box-to-box player and is very strong. He is also technically gifted. But the major attribute that makes him stand out is that he is primarily left-footed.

He packs a shot and has a good eye for the pass. If he impresses coach Chelle in training, he could just get his shot at making his senior team debut with Nigeria.