2023 AFCON qualifier: ‘I want to show my worth to fans’ – new Super Eagles invitee

Jordan Torunarigha is the son of former Nigerian International Ojokojo Torunarigha and he also has a brother named Junior Torunarigha who is also a footballer.

Newly invited Super Eagles defender, Jordan Torunarigha has revealed that he is ready to prove his worth if given the chance to play against Sao Tome and Principe in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Sunday, Soccenet.ng reports.

Having represented Germany at various youth levels, Torunarigha recently switched his nationality to represent the Nigeria national team.

The 26-year-old has now been called up for the first time alongside his Belgian club Gent teammate Gift Orban in head coach Jose Peseiro’s squad for the West African country final 2023 AFCON qualifying fixture against Sao and Principe on Sunday.

With the country’s ticket to the continental showpiece in Ivory Coast next year already assured after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Sierra Leone in the last match, the 63-year-old Peseiro will be aiming to use the game as an opportunity for the new invitees to prove their worth in the team, and also to start bringing together his squad to represent Nigeria in Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Torunarigha has revealed that his first ambition is to show his worth to fans by helping the Super Eagles claim victory on Sunday.

The 26-year-old was among the 23 players who opened camp on Tuesday for the dead rubber clash against the Falcons and Parrott which is set to take place at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

This is my first call-up and I hope I will be given time to show the fans, who have been criticizing me for denying Nigeria all through, what I am made of. I am a young guy and I want to show Nigerians what I can offer, He told NFF TV 

He also revealed that the team vice-captain William Troost-Ekong and Cardiff City defender Jamilu Collins have been helping him to settle into the team, while also expressing his excitement to train alongside Serie A stars like Victor Osimhen and AC Milan new boy Samuel Chukwueze.

Captain Troost-Ekong and Collins have really helped me to find my spot in Eagles

It’s nice to meet the players and I think all of them are nice people. It’s also nice to train with big players like Osihmen and Chukwueze, Torunarigha said 

The Super Eagles will be aiming to command another big win over the 186th FIFA-Ranked Central African country after the first leg finished a 10-0 victory for Peseiro’s side in Agadir, Morocco over a year ago.