Nigeria debutant Abdullahi Bewene says he is ready to contribute more to the Super Eagles after making an impressive first appearance for the national team in Wednesday’s 2-2 international friendly draw against Poland in Warsaw, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Baník Ostrava player was handed his maiden call-up to the senior national team ahead of the friendly and was immediately thrown into the starting line-up by coach Eric Chelle amid a growing availability crisis within the squad.
Bewene was drafted into the side following the absence of midfielders Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijjani, who were unable to secure visas to travel to Poland for the game.
Despite his late inclusion, the versatile youngster settled quickly into the team and played the full 90 minutes at right-back, delivering a composed performance against the hosts.
Speaking after the game, the 21-year-old expressed his delight at finally representing Nigeria at senior level and vowed to continue giving his best whenever called upon.
“I am very proud and very happy to represent my country and I am ready to give more,” Bewene told UbuntuPitch.
“On the pitch I just forget everything and give my all, only remembering that I am representing the country.
“The decision to play more matches is with the coach.”
Bewene’s ability to operate in multiple positions proved valuable for Chelle, who had to contend with several withdrawals in both defence and midfield ahead of the match in the Polish capital.
The youngster demonstrated that versatility throughout the 2025/26 season with Baník Ostrava. He also enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Czech top flight, making 25 league appearances and scoring one goal as he continued his development in European football.
After arriving at Baník Ostrava in the summer of 2023 as an 18-year-old, Bewene followed a carefully managed development pathway. He gained valuable experience on loan with lower-division clubs Havířov and Kroměříž before progressing through Baník’s reserve team setup.
Those loan spells proved crucial to his growth, allowing him to adapt physically and tactically to the demands of European football rather than being rushed into first-team action.
His breakthrough eventually came during the 2025/26 season when he made his senior debut against Sparta Prague in September 2025. He gradually established himself within the squad and became a regular starter during the second half of the campaign.
Having successfully taken his first step in international football, Bewene will now hope to build on his encouraging debut as Nigeria continue preparations for next week’s friendly against Portugal.
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