The rise and rise of Pillars Shehu Abdullahi

Although many feared his career might head for the rocks following the red card he received when Nigeria played Uruguay in one of the second round matches at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey, the hard tackling midfielder picked himself up and is now playing his way into the mainstream of the Super […]

Although many feared his career might head for the rocks following the red card he received when Nigeria played Uruguay in one of the second round matches at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey, the hard tackling midfielder picked himself up and is now playing his way into the mainstream of the Super Eagles squad.
Shehu Abdullahi was among the last set of players Keshi invited to camp preparatory to the 2014 CHAN in South Africa.
However, the Sokoto born player seized the opportunity with both hands and made the team to South Africa where he clearly distinguished himself in the midfield for the Home-based Eagles.
Consequently, it was no surprise that when Keshi released the names of invited players for the March 5 international friendly against Mexico in the USA, Abdullahi’s name featured prominently.
He made the star studded list along with three other home based players Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami and Ejike Uzoenyi.
Following his sterling performance in South Africa, the invitation of Abdullahi did not come to any one as a surprise.
The young midfielder told SHOT! that he is pleasantly surprised by the quick rise in his career. He said even as he dreamt of playing for his country, he never knew it would happen so soon.
 “All I can do is to thank almighty Allah for his blessings. I feel as if this is a dream but it is real. I wanted to play for Nigeria but I never knew it would be this fast.
“I want to keep doing my best to justify the confidence reposed in me by Coach Stephen Keshi. Surely, he has seen something good in me”.
“And if I make it to Brazil, I won’t be surprised because with God all things are possible”, he said.