“Saddened” – Nigeria’s new star opens up on Super Eagles debut against Benin Republic

Caykur Rizespor midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin has shared his feelings about making his Super Eagles debut last month, Soccernet.ng reports.

After an impressive season in the Turkish top flight last season where he scored eight goals, Olawoyin was invited to the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria's 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June.

The 26-year-old midfielder was on the bench throughout as Nigeria wobbled to a 1-1 draw with South Africa's Bafana Bafana in Uyo on June 7.

Olawoyin, however, made his Super Eagles debut three days later when Nigeria stumbled to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in Abidjan.

Despite scoring first through Club Brugge's Raphael Onyedika, the Super Eagles were already trailing behind the Cheetahs before Olawoyin was introduced to the pitch on the hour mark. The former Enugu Rangers star replaced Samuel Chukwueze, who had assisted Nigeria's only goal.

However, Olawoyin's entry did not affect the game as Benin held on to record their first-ever senior win over the Super Eagles.

The shocking loss left Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the next edition of the World Cup hanging by a thread. Coach Finidi George, who also gave Olawoyin his international debut, has also resigned barely a month after he was named the team's head coach.

Three weeks after making his international debut, Olawoyin has returned to Turkey from his vacation and has found the words to express his unhappiness about the result against Benin.

However, the former Ankara Keçiörengücü is pleased to have fulfilled the dream of playing for his fatherland.

“Back to base after a memorable summer. Honoured to wear the country’s badge though saddened by the result. The future starts now,” Olawoyin wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Olawoyin joined Rizespor in January 2023 after an 18-month stay with another Turkish club, Ankara Keçiörengücü, a team he signed for in 2021 from Enugu Rangers.