SC Paderborn of German defender, Jamilu Collins has expressed delight with his invitation to the Super Eagles’ camp for next week’s international friendly against Ukraine, as he believes it is a match that will start the next phase of affairs for the Nigerian national team, megasportsarena.com reports.
With the September 10 clash at Dnipro-Arena marking the Eagles’ first match since winning third place at this year’s Africa Games in Egypt, Collins reckons that a fresh beginning will be set in motion for the squad against Ukraine, and says he is happy to be part of it.
The 25-year-old Collins, who is playing his first ever season in the German Bundesliga, added that the trip to Ukraine will give him time to get away from the stress of club football for some time, before he returns to continue the battle of shining for Paderborn in the top flight.
He, however, played down his club’s early struggles in the German league, with a verdict that they will bounce back after the international break, while also hoping to continue his bright start that has seen him start Paderborn’s three league games this season, averaging 7 points out of 10 and making a ratio of four interceptions per game.
He went on to declare that he will put club focus behind him for now, as he intends to join the Eagles’ camp in Dnipro this weekend and quickly settle down, with a view towards getting a starting shirt and doing well in the clash with The Yellow and Blue of Ukraine on Tuesday.
The dark-skinned left-full back further stated that he is well prepared to help the Eagles achieve victory over the East Europeans, who he expects to give their visitors a cordial atmosphere and provide a level playing ground for the Nigerians to show that their third-place finish at AFCON 2019 was not a fluke, even as they use the game to set their latest programme in motion.
Jamilu told AOIFootball.com: “The AFCON is behind us now so we just want to focus on the task ahead which begins with Ukraine next week.
“It’s always a great feeling to come and play for Nigeria. I’m just waiting for the camp to officially open so I can travel to Ukraine.
“It’s a fixture that favour’s us considering the venue so I’m sure there will be a full house once the camp opens this weekend.”
