Ikorodu City midfielder Aderemi “Remi” Adeoye has described his Super Eagles invitation for the international friendly against Russia as a defining moment in his young career, promising to work even harder to justify the confidence placed in him.
The 19-year-old is part of Eric Chelle’s youthful-looking squad for Tuesday’s encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, giving one of the Nigeria Premier Football League’s emerging talents another opportunity to experience senior international football.
For Adeoye, the invitation represents another major step in a journey that has taken him from academy football into the NPFL and now to the doorstep of the senior national team.
“I’m very happy about the call-up. It is a big moment for me and my family,” Adeoye said after his selection.
The midfielder, who joined Ikorodu City in January 2026, had already entered Chelle’s plans when he was invited for the Unity Cup in London in May. His latest selection provides another chance to convince the Super Eagles coach that he can become part of Nigeria’s future.
Adeoye’s call-up also arrived while his reputation at club level continues to grow. Shortly after being named in the Russia squad, he produced a stunning sixth-minute free-kick as Ikorodu City defeated defending NPFL champions Rangers 2-0, underlining his ability to influence games from midfield.
His progress has also attracted attention outside Nigeria, with the teenager spending time training with English Championship club Middlesbrough during the summer.
Adeoye has credited Ikorodu City and the club’s leadership for providing the platform that has accelerated his development, while insisting his latest breakthrough is motivation to keep improving rather than a reason to relax.
He travelled for the Russia assignment alongside club teammate and goalkeeper Michael Atata, giving Ikorodu City two representatives in Chelle’s squad.
Now surrounded by established internationals including Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Stanley Nwabali, Adeoye has an opportunity to learn, compete and make himself difficult to overlook.
For a youngster whose journey began with the ambition of simply making it from the academy into senior football, the destination has suddenly become much bigger.
The Super Eagles door is open — and Adeoye is determined to work hard enough to keep it that way.
