Unity Cup: 3SC Star Ayobami Excited About Super Eagles Opportunity

Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Junior is delighted to have received his first call‑up to the Nigeria national team, Completesports.com reports.

The playmaker was named in the 27‑man squad for the 2026 Unity Cup by head coach Éric Chelle last week.

Ayobami has attracted attention with his strong performances for Shooting Stars this season, registering 13 assists for Nurudeen Aweroro’s side in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Ayobami Happy With Super Eagles Call‑Up

Ayobami said a close friend was the first to tell him about the invitation.

“The first person I spoke to was my friend. He was the one who woke me up actually. He called me saying I got an invitation from the Super Eagles. I said ‘how,’ and he was like ‘check your phone.’ Then I saw the invite. I was so happy,” he told Shooting Stars media.

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Improved League Form

Ayobami has shown significant improvement this season after struggling in the previous two campaigns.

“Last two seasons when I played for Shooting, I only got six assists, and then when we started this season, when I saw the management and everything, and then the welfare of the players is very, very okay at Shooting Stars,” he added.
“So it kept me going, saying this season we will go a long way. Yeah, I want to play for the national team, and then I want to win the league and maybe get the team to the continental stage, and then for you to be on top you have to provide more assists, which I did, 13.”

Getting Deserved Recognition

Ayobami said he never stopped believing despite the difficult spell, and that perseverance has now earned him recognition from the national team.

“So that’s the best so far in the league — 13 assists this season. It was a fantastic moment for me, and I’m so proud of it,” he declared.

“After all these years, you know, getting denied every time was a bit frustrating, but when I got the invite, I just said to myself, ‘Delay is not denial.’ I should just keep pushing. It is every player’s dream to represent his country, so it was a fantastic moment for me.”

By Adeboye Amosu