“Nothing changes” – Remo Stars goalkeeper reacts to Super Eagles call-up

Super Eagles and Remo Stars goalkeeper, Bankole Kayode, has admitted nothing has changed after he was included in Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures, Soccernet.ng reports.

Eric Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles head coach a few months back and initially released a 39-man provisional squad list before a final 23-man team was released yesterday afternoon.

Bankole, who is well known amongst the Nigerian locals in the NPFL, has been very consistent in his performances for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side and has now been rewarded with a call-up to the National team.

I’m more than excited and honoured to have gotten my first call up to the Super Eagles team ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Thanks to everyone for the support.

Now, let’s get to work. It's time to get the World Cup ticket for our fatherland pic.twitter.com/odGQMNho6G

— Bankole Kayode (@Kaybaba35) March 12, 2025

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What Bankole said

In an interview with Premium Times, the 22-year-old goalkeeper shared his thoughts about his inclusion in Eric Chelle's final squad.

“Yeah, I was very happy. I was very excited when I got the news. I was very, very happy because, for me, it’s a dream come true. So I was very, very excited about it.

“My teammates, when they saw it, were all happy. They were happy for me. My loved ones, you know, people started sending me texts. Some started calling, and, you know, everybody was happy for me,” the lanky goalkeeper said.

Quizzed about how he'd feel about being called into action for any of Nigeria's games, the Remo Stars goalkeeper played it down, admitting it'll change nothing about the way he approaches his games.

“Well, if I’m being called up to play, of course, I’ll do things the same way I’ve been doing in my team. Definitely, I’ll still organise the defence the same way I used to do, by calling the right person at the right time, communicating with them, directing them well on where to go, and stuff like that.

“Nothing changes; football is the same everywhere. Though the level is different, the best thing is to stay calm and communicate the same way I used to communicate.”

“I will contribute my own quota to the team and help in any way I can, either from the bench or on the field of play.

“I am also going there to learn as well, and give 100% as usual, as seen always at my club. I would be giving my all, as this is an opportunity I do not take for granted,” Bankole concluded.

Nigeria will trade tackles with Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before returning to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to lock horns with Zimbabwe four days later.

The two games are must-win fixtures for the Super Eagles, who have endured a torrid start to the World Cup qualifying campaign.