While several Super Eagles players boosted confidence with goals for their clubs ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Usman Mohammed’s return to the national spotlight has taken a contrasting turn.
The 31-year-old defender, one of head coach Eric Chelle’s surprise inclusions in the latest Super Eagles squad, heads into national team camp under a cloud after being sent off for Ironi Tiberias in the Israeli League.
Mohammed received his marching orders as Ironi Tiberias suffered a 2–0 defeat to Hapoel Haifa, a result that compounded a difficult outing for the Nigerian defender and raised concerns just days before international duty.
Despite the setback, the call-up itself marks a remarkable milestone in Mohammed’s career. The former Nigeria international is poised for a sensational return to the Super Eagles nearly nine years after his last appearance, a testament to his resilience and consistent performances that caught the attention of the national team selectors.
Eric Chelle’s decision to include Mohammed has already sparked debate among fans and analysts, and the red card incident further intensifies scrutiny on the veteran defender as he prepares to rejoin the national setup.
With AFCON 2025 fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether Usman Mohammed can quickly put the disappointment behind him and justify his surprise recall, turning a difficult club moment into a fresh chapter in his Super Eagles journey.
