Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Junior says years of persistence finally paid off after receiving his maiden call-up to Nigeria’s senior national team for the upcoming Unity Cup in London.
The invitation comes after an exceptional Nigeria Premier Football League season from the playmaker, who established himself as one of the division’s most creative performers. Ayobami has registered 13 assists so far this season, the highest tally in the NPFL, further strengthening his case for Super Eagles recognition.
The midfielder played a major role for Shooting Stars throughout the season and improved significantly from previous campaigns. After managing six assists across his first two seasons at the club, the 2025/26 term became his most productive year in professional football.
Midfielder Reacts To National Team Breakthrough
Ayobami revealed via Shooting Stars media, he initially found it difficult to believe the news when he first received the information from a close friend.
“The first person I spoke to was was my friend. He was the one who woke me up actually. he called me saying I got an invitation from the Super Eagles. I said how, and he was like check your phone. Then I saw the invite. I was so happy,” he said.
The midfielder also credited the atmosphere around the club for helping him improve his output this season, pointing to better welfare and stronger motivation within the squad.
“Last two seasons when I played for Shooting, I only got six assists, and then when we started this season, when I saw the management and everything, and then the welfare of the players is very, very okay at Shooting Stars.
“So it kept me going, saying this season we will go a long way. Yeah, I want to play for the national team, and then I want to win the league and maybe get the team to the continental stage, and then for you to be on top you have to provide more assists, which I did, 13.”
The Shooting Stars star admitted earlier disappointments were frustrating but insisted he never stopped believing he would eventually receive an opportunity with the Super Eagles.
“So that’s the best so far in the league — 13 assists this season. It was a fantastic moment for me, and I’m so proud of it. After all these years, you know, getting denied every time was a bit frustrating, but when I got the invite, I just said to myself, ‘Delay is not denial.’ I should just keep pushing. It is every player’s dream to represent his country, so it was a fantastic moment for me.”
Ayobami is now expected to join the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup scheduled to take place in London from May 26 to May 30, where he will look to continue the form that made him one of the NPFL’s standout midfielders this season.
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