Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa smiling while wearing the white Super Eagles home jersey seated against blue stadium seats
Ibraheem Mahfus on Super Eagles Called Up

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle calls up 21-year-old FC Rostov left winger Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa for the Super Eagles’ October 6 friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has handed a first senior national team invitation to 21-year-old left winger Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa ahead of the international friendly against Russia. 

The call-up, reported on Saturday, October 3, 2026, brings the Lagos-born player into the squad for the match scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. 

Ajasa currently plays for Russian Premier League side FC Rostov, where he signed in July 2025 after a spell with Modern Sport in Egypt. The invitation forms part of Chelle’s approach of using a largely youthful group for the Russia fixture, separate from the side that contested the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. 

Ajasa becomes one of several emerging players given the chance to impress during this window as the coach continues to expand options beyond established internationals.

Ibraheem Mahfus Ajasa smiling in the white Super Eagles jersey with hand placed over the team crest against a solid blue background
Ibraheem Mahfus on a pledge after Super Eagles inclusion

The Offa-born forward, a product of Hephzibah FC in Lagos, described the invitation as a dream come true and an honour for himself and his family. He said he intends to give his best to make Nigerians proud. Sources close to the player indicated he will join the Super Eagles camp in Russia after FC Rostov’s friendly against Krasnodar on Saturday. 

His agent, FIFA-licensed Idowu Ismail Oluwabiyi, also welcomed the development, noting that consistent hard work at club level had been rewarded and wishing the player well as he prepares for the senior national team environment in Nizhny Novgorod.