Akhilomhen Ernest admits he is delighted with his Nigeria U23 call-up after his Russian club informed him of his invitation to don the national team. <br /><br />He was a shock inclusion in the newly invited foreign-based professionals called-up by coach Samson Siasia for the 2016 Olympics qualifying fixture against Congo next month.<br /><br />The FC Avangard Kursk midfielder emerged as one of the shinning lights of his club in the recently concluded season.<br /><br />Ernest has welcomed the challenge and insists he&rsquo;s ready to fight for a place in the team<br /><br />&ldquo;I am very happy and I thank coach Samson Siasia for what he has done for me,&rdquo; Ernest said<br /><br />&ldquo;To be honest with you I&rsquo;m not surprised with the call-up. It has long been my target to play for the national team and I knew the time was close.<br /><br />&ldquo;I am ready to play in any position that I&rsquo;m asked to operate from by the coach.<br /><br />&ldquo;The call-up will spur me on and boost my confidence and I will prove myself to Nigerians.&rdquo;<br /><br />Last season, Ernest had a breakthrough campaign at the Stadion Trudovye Reservy grabbing six goals in all competitions.<br />