The former Golden Eaglets captain, called up in place of Frank Onyeka, says winning both Tanzania games matters more than his own place in the team.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
Samson Tijani says he wants to become a regular member of the Super Eagles squad, as FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports. The 24 year old midfielder is in camp for the AFCON 2027 qualifying double-header against Tanzania, which starts in Uyo on Friday.
Tijani plays for Slovak side FK Železiarne Podbrezová on loan from Dukla Prague this season. He captained Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. New Bet9ja users can look up YOHAIG code for Bet9ja registrants.
He has three senior caps for Nigeria. His debut came in a friendly against Algeria on October 9, 2020, and he then started against Zimbabwe and Jamaica at the 2026 Unity Cup in London in May, where Nigeria retained the trophy.
Tijani is eager for more chances. He said representing Nigeria is a joy for himself, his family and his friends, and that he wants to give his best and challenge himself.
He praised the atmosphere in camp and said the senior players have helped new arrivals settle. He described strong chemistry in the squad and said players can learn a lot from the experienced members of the group.
Tijani’s selection came at the expense of Frank Onyeka, who was left out of the squad. His style could suit Eric Chelle’s midfield, which needs players who can defend and keep possession. Readers curious about daily offers can check the daily Bet9ja promo code.
On the Tanzania games, Tijani said “The most important thing is to get the six points”. He stressed that Nigeria must win both at home and away.
Nigeria are second in Group L with three points, while Guinea-Bissau lead on seven. A win in Uyo would lift the Eagles to six, and the return leg is on Tuesday, November 17, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Midfield balance will be key. Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are also in the squad, so Tijani may have to wait for his minutes. Fans keeping up with the squad can also see the Bet9ja welcome promo guide.
Whatever his role on Friday, Tijani’s message shows a player ready to take his chance.
📌 Did You Know?
- Tijani was born on May 17, 2002.
- He had gone five years without a Super Eagles call up before the 2026 Unity Cup.
- He scored a brace in a 4-2 win at the 2019 U-17 World Cup.
- Tijani has spoken openly about how injuries slowed his development during his years in Salzburg.
- Chelle is reported to favour a 4-3-1-2 formation, which needs midfielders who can defend and keep the ball.