Bewene ready to do more after his first game

Abdullahi Bewene. Credit: owngoalnigeria

Nigeria debutant Abdullahi Bewene says he is eager to help the Super Eagles after his good first match for the team. He played in Wednesday’s 2-2 international friendly draw against Poland in Warsaw, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

The Baník Ostrava player got his first call-up to the senior national team just before the friendly. Coach Eric Chelle put him straight into the starting line-up because of a shortage of available players in the squad.

Bewene joined the team because midfielders Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijjani could not get visas to travel to Poland for the game. Despite joining late, the young player quickly fit in and played the whole 90 minutes at right-back. He had a solid performance against the Polish team.

After the match, the 21-year-old shared his joy about finally wearing Nigeria's colors at the senior level. He promised to keep giving his best whenever he gets the chance.

“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 play in different positions was helpful for Coach Chelle. He faced several player withdrawals in both defense and midfield before the match in Poland.

The young player showed his versatility during the 2025/26 season with Baník Ostrava. He had a great season in the Czech top flight, appearing 25 times and scoring once as he grew in European football.

He joined Baník Ostrava in the summer of 2023 at just 18 years old. Bewene followed a planned path for development. He gained important experience on loan at lower-division clubs Havířov and Kroměříž before moving up through Baník’s reserve team.

Those loan spells were key for his growth, helping him adjust physically and tactically to European football instead of being rushed into the first team.

His big break came in the 2025/26 season when he made his senior debut against Sparta Prague in September 2025. He gradually became a regular starter during the second half of the season.

Now that he has taken his first step in international football, Bewene will look to build on his positive debut as Nigeria prepares for next week’s friendly against Portugal.