'It was a surprise' - Orlando Pirates rising star reacts to earning roster spot for AFCON 2021

Orlando Pirates center-back Olisa Ndah has revealed that he's honoured to earn a roster spot for the Super Eagles at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

It was a decision by interim boss Augustine Eguavoen that few people saw coming as Ndah was not in the plans of dismissed coach Gernot Rohr for the tournament in Cameroon.

Eguavoen was able to name two new players not initially included by Rohr on Nigeria's provisional squad after getting the green light from the Confederation of African Football; SD Huesca midfielder Kelechi Nwakali being the other player added to the finalized roster.

Ndah was a member of the Dream Team VII squad that failed to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games.

The 23-year-old was considered for Super Eagles selection thanks to his exploits at Orlando Pirates, for whom he has made thirteen appearances in the DSTV Premiership so far this season.

Speaking to Brila FM, Ndah said : "I'm grateful to God to be here. It was really a surprise to me and I'm thankful for this opportunity.

"We have a lot of good players, we have the capacity to win the Africa Cup of Nations, so I'm just going to do my best, play my part and hopefully everything works out good."

Ndah will be competing with Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Chidozie Awaziem for a starting shirt at the Africa Cup of Nations.