Kano Pillars' forward, Gambo Mohammed, is hoping he can break into Nigeria's first-team for this month's Fifa World Cup qualifying against Kenya in Calabar through "hard work."
.
Gambo is one of nine players picked by Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi from the home front for the game billed to hold on March 23.
.
The striker expressed happiness for being named in the nine-man list ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifying.
.
"I'm very excited with this opportunity to play for my country," began Gambo in a telephone interview on Monday.
.
"It's been long coming and I intend to take this opportunity as the coach has shown belief in my ability. I hope my hard work will earn me a starting place for the match (against Kenya).
.
"For now, I can only hope but I know there's so much work to be done if I want to be considered for a starting place because Nigeria have got very talented and important players now. But I will continue to do my best and hope to continue to impress the coaches to win a starting place," he said.
.
Others named in the nine-man list from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the Kenyan game are Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars), Benjamin Francis (Heartland), Sunday Mba (unattached), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Gabriel Reuben (Kano Pillars), Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves) and Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland).
.
Gambo is expected to join the Super Eagles' camp in Calabar on Monday.
It would take a very long time before that can be possible. The players that have been called are good enough so it might be difficult