Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata says his invitation to the Super Eagles came as a surprise but insists he has been preparing for an opportunity of this magnitude as Nigeria look ahead to their international friendly against Russia.
Atata is one of three goalkeepers selected by head coach Eric Chelle for the October 6 encounter at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, joining established first-choice Stanley Nwabali and Finland-based Samuel James in the 24-man squad.
For the 20-year-old, seeing his name on the senior national-team list represented the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
“It came as a surprise, but representing Nigeria has always been my dream,” Atata said. “I have always prepared myself because you never know when the opportunity will come.”
His elevation has not arrived without a body of work behind it.
Atata was one of the standout goalkeepers in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, entering the final round of the campaign with a league-leading 16 clean sheets from 32 appearances.
His performances were central to Ikorodu City’s strong campaign, with his reflexes, command of the penalty area and distribution earning particular recognition.
He has carried that momentum into the new season.
Atata recently helped the Oga Boys record a historic 2-0 victory over defending champions Rangers, later crediting concentration and determination for the clean sheet.
His Super Eagles invitation alongside club teammate Aderemi Adeoye has consequently provided another significant moment for Ikorodu City, who publicly celebrated having two players selected for Chelle’s Russia squad.
The friendly will also give Chelle an opportunity to assess alternatives outside the group used for the recent AFCON qualifiers, with several new faces included in a substantially changed squad.
For Atata, however, the immediate challenge is simpler: arrive in camp, compete and demonstrate that a goalkeeper developed in the NPFL can handle the demands of international football.
“I’m ready to give my all,” he said.
From chasing clean sheets with Ikorodu City to competing for a place between the posts for Nigeria, Atata now has the opportunity he always prepared for — even if the call itself arrived sooner than expected.
