AJ Auxerre defender Gabriel Osho has pledged to give his all for the Super Eagles, stating that he’s committed to wearing the Nigerian jersey with pride and determination. The towering center-back first received an invitation to join the Super Eagles in March 2024 while playing in the English Premier League with Luton Town. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from participating at that time, sidelining what would have been a significant debut. Now, Osho has been granted a second opportunity as he joins the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with crucial matches against Benin on Thursday and Rwanda next week Tuesday.
Reflecting on his call-up, the 26-year-old emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication, qualities he believes every player in the squad must uphold. “I’ll just work as hard as I can, and I think that’s what the fans expect from every single player here,” he said upon his arrival in the Super Eagles camp in Abidjan. Osho expressed that he is ready to put in the effort required to succeed on the field, believing that each player’s commitment, combined with their innate talent, is what will drive the team forward. “Everyone here is talented enough to be selected, but talent alone isn’t enough. Applying oneself with discipline and an unyielding work ethic is what makes the difference,” Osho added, expressing confidence that his hard work will make a meaningful contribution to the team.
Osho, who was born in England but chose to represent Nigeria, spoke with pride about the honor of being called up to play for such a highly competitive team. He acknowledged the abundance of Nigerian talent, especially when looking at the star-studded forward line and other accomplished players who, despite their skills, weren’t selected for this squad. “When you see the level of competition and the quality of players not even on the roster, you realize just how deep the talent pool is in Nigeria,” he said. Understanding this, Osho views his inclusion as a privilege and is driven by the knowledge that he is representing a country renowned for its football legacy. He’s eager to prove himself among this elite group, knowing that each performance is a chance to honor the green and white jersey.
