Abdullahi Bewene Vows to Give His All for Super Eagles After Earning First Nigeria Cap in Poland Draw

Abdullahi Bewene marked his entry into senior international football with a pledge of unwavering dedication to Nigeria, after making his debut in a 2-2 friendly draw against Poland in Warsaw on 4 June 2026.

The young defender was handed his first cap by head coach Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles continued their preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures. The result extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run, with the draw in the Polish capital adding to a sequence of matches without defeat under the current coaching staff.

Speaking in the mixed zone following the final whistle, Bewene made no attempt to conceal his emotions at representing Nigeria at the senior level for the first time. “I’m very happy and proud to represent my country, Nigeria. I am ready to give more of this,” he said.

The defender elaborated on his mental approach during the match, describing a focus that went beyond individual performance. “When I was on the pitch, I am ready to give my all,” Bewene explained. “I just forget everything and remember that I’m representing the country, so I have to give my all and make them happy. And I have to make myself happy on the pitch.”

When pressed on whether his showing in Warsaw was enough to cement a more regular place in Chelle’s plans, Bewene was measured in his response, deferring entirely to his coach. “I will not say, because the decision is from the coach,” he concluded.

Bewene’s selection had attracted considerable attention ahead of the fixture, with supporters eager to assess how the highly regarded defender would handle the step up to international football. His debut came at a significant juncture for the Super Eagles, who missed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a setback that has placed renewed emphasis on rebuilding and identifying new talent capable of competing at the highest level.

The Poland friendly was part of a broader programme of international fixtures designed to give Chelle the opportunity to assess his squad depth and introduce emerging players into the senior environment. Nigeria’s inability to reach the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has prompted scrutiny of the federation’s player identification process and the coaching direction moving forward.

For Bewene, the occasion represented the culmination of a progression through the ranks and an opportunity to stake a claim in a national team currently in a period of transition. Whether he features again will depend on Chelle’s assessments in the coming international windows, with competitive matches on the horizon for the Super Eagles.