Werder Bremen full-back Felix Agu says winning the Africa Cup of Nations and helping Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are now his top career priorities after switching international allegiance from Germany to the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
Agu, 25, made his debut for Nigeria during the recently concluded Unity Cup in London — a four-nation tournament that featured Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago
The defender featured in the final against Jamaica, playing 83 minutes in a thrilling 2-2 draw before the Super Eagles triumphed on penalties to lift the trophy.
Having previously represented Germany at U21 level in 2019, Agu was cleared by the German Football Federation to make the switch earlier this year. His performances have already caught the eye, and the player is now fully focused on making an impact with his fatherland.
In an interview with Nigerian journalist Ayodele Olu Ibidapo, Agu opened up about his international journey and the motivation behind his decision to commit to Nigeria.
What did new Nigeria star Felix Agu say?
“A few years ago when I went to play for the German U21s, it was more of a decision of comfort because I knew some players there,” he explained.
“I was still very young so it would have been a big step for me to come here as a player who had never at that time switched clubs. So it was more of a decision of comfort.
“Now I feel ready, and to play for the national team is the biggest honour you can have. I’m very happy to be called up and be welcomed by the team.”
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Agu believes achieving success with Nigeria will eclipse anything he could do at club level and is determined to be part of a generation that brings glory back to Nigerian football.
“On a personal level, achieving something with the national team is even bigger than on the club level,” he said.
“The goal is to win the African Cup of Nations again — not just make the final, but win it. Of course, everyone wants to see Nigeria on the biggest stage, to qualify for the World Cup, and it’s next year so we’ll try our best to make it.”
Agu also reflected on his first taste of life with the Super Eagles, crediting the team’s camaraderie and familiar faces for helping him settle quickly.
“Everyone welcomed me with open arms, but I know some players from Germany like Nathan Tella, who I’ve played against, Frank Onyeka, Boniface, also Maduka Okoye,” he said.
“All the players welcomed me very well, so it’s a very good feeling to be here.”
The former Germany youth international also praised the quality of the Super Eagles squad but stressed that success will depend on the players’ mentality.
“I see the quality in the team. The players have a lot of potential — it’s just about getting the right mindset on the pitch, to really know what it’s all about because there’s no room for errors anymore. We have to win all or we don’t make it.”
“We need to have this in mind and take on every game like this. Also in the African Cup of Nations, it’s the same thing. We have to do the same like the last time, but just finish the deal. I don’t think there’s any other nation — not just in Africa — that has the quality we have upfront. It’s just about the mindset on the pitch.”
Agu made his second international appearance for Nigeria in a 1-1 friendly draw with Russia in Moscow earlier this June.
With his international future now fully aligned with Nigeria, the versatile defender is expected to play a key role in their upcoming AFCON campaign and the World Cup qualifying schedule.
