Niger Tornadoes of Minna’s fast-rising midfielder, Papa Daniel Mustapha has promised to step up his efforts with the Super Eagles in order to put in a better outing against Jamaica on Saturday.
Sports247 reports that the 23-year-old box-to-box battler was one of three home-based players that started Wednesday’s match against Ghana in the second semi-final of the 2025 Unity Cup in London, England, and he was able to get above-average marks on several ratings for the players.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Coaches Need Support To Attend High Level Coaching Courses – Ogunmodede
Although he was replaced by veteran attacker, Ahmed Musa, in the 62nd minute of the match that Nigeria won 2-1, many observers were unanimous in their verdicts that the youngster, who will be heading out on a summer transfer to Young Boys FC of Switzerland next month, had done enough to justify his debut.
However, Daniel, who was first invited to the Eagles’ camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, says he can do even better and wants to prove his quality further in the 2025 Unity Cup final against Jamaica on Saturday.
He started by giving thanks for the opportunity to don Nigeria’s green-and-white jersey, which he admitted he is proud of, then revealed how he was inspired by watching former Eagles’ captain John Mikel Obi and fellow midfield ace Eddy Ogenyi Onazi dazzle during their days in the national team.
“I’m grateful. I’m just doing my thing for my club, and I’m happy to receive a call up again. This is the second call-up for me, and I’m very, very happy. I’m ready to do my best.
“I look up to Mikel Obi and Onazi. I was inspired by the way they used to play when they were in the national team,” Daniel disclosed
