The competition for places in the Super Eagles squad is high, but Real Zaragoza star James Igbekeme has called on Gernot Rohr to give him a chance.
Igbekeme is playing a pivotal role in Zaragoza’s promotion push to the Spanish top-flight. Víctor Fernández side sit in third place, two points behind SD Huesca who sit in the final automatic spot.
The Nigerian has made 26 appearances in the Spanish second division with 20 coming as starts. A dominant central midfielder, Igbekeme performances have been brilliant in Zaragoza’s surge in La Liga SmartBank table.
While he’s one of the most important players under Fernandez, the 25-year-old is yet to make his debut for the Nigerian national team.
Nigeria is well stocked in the midfield with the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Joe Aribo among the options available to Gernot Rohr.
However, despite the quality in the Super Eagles squad, Igbekeme has called on Rohr to offer him a chance in the national team.
“It’s every young player’s dream to represent their country. All I need is the chance, Igbekeme told BBC’s Oluwashina Okeleji.
.@RealZaragoza seeking a return to @LaLiga with James Igbekeme at the heart of their midfield.
The Nigerian, 25, joined Los Blanquillos in 2018 and has extended his deal to 2023.
Igbekeme: "It’s every young player's dream to represent their country. All I need is the chance." pic.twitter.com/QaGCGKmXey
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) July 10, 2020
The former AD Oliveirense star also revealed he’s relishing the prospect of playing in La Liga with Zaragoza next season.
Igbekeme and his Los Maños teammates, however, need Huesca to slip up, while they win their games if they are to gain automatic promotion.