In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling football scene, a young star is ready to take center stage. Papa Daniel Mustapha, the midfield dynamo from Niger Tornadoes, never saw it coming. His name on the Super Eagles’ provisional list was a shock, but making the final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe was nothing short of a dream come true.

With a humble yet determined spirit, Mustapha was one of the first players to arrive in camp. Seeing the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika in training fueled his hunger. “It’s a motivation for me to do more and show them who I am,” he told NFF TV, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

A tough, energetic box-to-box midfielder, Mustapha’s greatest weapon is his left foot—powerful, precise, and unpredictable. His technical ability and knack for creating opportunities make him a player to watch. Now, as he awaits his chance to debut for Nigeria, he carries a bold promise:

“If I get the opportunity, I will show Nigeria and the world what I can do.”

With a rising star eager to prove his worth, all eyes will be on Mustapha as he prepares for his biggest moment yet. Will he seize it? The answer lies on the pitch.