Usman Muhammed is back in the Super Eagles setup a decade after his first and only appearance for Nigeria in an international friendly against the Republic of Niger.

Initially, many assumed Usman's inclusion in the 54-man provisional squad was merely to make up the numbers.

However, manager Eric Chelle surprised fans and pundits alike by naming the central midfielder in the final squad heading to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations.

A member of Nigeria's squad at the 2016 Olympic Games, Usman won the hearts of Super Eagles supporters in 2018 with a stunning goal at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. 

Taking on Atletico Madrid defenders in a dazzling display of skill, he jinked past several opponents before leaving two defenders flat-footed and rolling the ball past the goalkeeper with a precise nutmeg in the 80th minute.

The Super Eagles—largely composed of home-based players—suffered a 3-2 defeat to the La Liga giants.

A year before his eye-catching goal for the Super Eagles, Usman was invited to train with Barcelona, a trial arranged by former Barcelona forward Haruna Babangida, though it did not lead to a contract.

The combative midfielder has now earned another chance to make his mark on the international stage following impressive performances in the Israeli top-flight with Ironi Tiberias.

Reacting to Usman's call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations, Ironi Tiberias expressed both pride and bittersweet emotions. 

"We will miss him greatly, but it is a tremendous honour for Tiberias that one of our players has been called up to represent his country in such an important championship," the club said in a statement.