Trabzonspor centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu has revealed that his consistent hard work and performances for the Turkish club played a key role in earning his maiden call-up to the Super Eagles.

Initially omitted from the final squad for a pair of friendlies against World Cup-bound Asian sides Iran and Jordan in March, Nwaiwu received a late invitation to join the team in Turkey after Calvin Bassey withdrew due to a back injury.

Despite arriving late at the Antalya camp and training with the squad for just one day, manager Eric Chelle handed Nwaiwu a debut off the bench in a 2-1 victory over Iran.

A winter signing from Wolfsberger AC, the 22-year-old has made a strong impression in the Super Lig, scoring three headed goals in 15 appearances. 

He is widely regarded as one of the top U23 centre-backs in the Turkish top-flight.

Speaking to reporters after Trabzonspor’s 1-1 draw with Göztepe, Nwaiwu highlighted the importance of consistency in earning international recognition.

"I am so grateful to be here and for the national team. When I arrived, I said to myself that this club was going to give me the platform, and I am very grateful to have earned my first national team call-up because of the hard work I have put in and because of the club too," he said. 

Looking ahead to the upcoming clash with Besiktas on Saturday, May 9, Nwaiwu says Trabzonspor are determined to claim a win in Istanbul.

"For the match against Besiktas, we are going there to give everything to come away with the three points."

Nwaiwu's impressive performances for Trabzonspor have not gone unnoticed, with Premier League and Bundesliga clubs reportedly keeping tabs on the former Enyimba man ahead of the summer transfer window.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel