Werder Bremen full-back Felix Agu has expressed his determination to win the Africa Cup of Nations and help Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Germany to the Super Eagles.
Agu, 25, made his debut for Nigeria during the recently concluded Unity Cup in London, featuring in the final against Jamaica. He played 83 minutes in a thrilling 2-2 draw before the Super Eagles triumphed on penalties to lift the trophy.
The defender had previously represented Germany at the U21 level in 2019 but was cleared by the German Football Federation to make the switch earlier this year. Agu’s performances have already caught the eye, and he is now fully focused on making an impact with his fatherland.
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“A few years ago when I went to play for the German U21s, it was more of a decision of comfort because I knew some players there,” Agu explained in an interview. “Now I feel ready, and to play for the national team is the biggest honour you can have. I’m very happy to be called up and be welcomed by the team.”
Agu believes achieving success with Nigeria will eclipse anything he could do at club level and is determined to be part of a generation that brings glory back to Nigerian football. “On a personal level, achieving something with the national team is even bigger than on the club level,” he said.
Felix Agu (Image credit: Getty Images)
“The goal is to win the African Cup of Nations again — not just make the final, but win it. Of course, everyone wants to see Nigeria on the biggest stage, to qualify for the World Cup, and it’s next year so we’ll try our best to make it.”
The versatile defender also reflected on his first taste of life with the Super Eagles, crediting the team’s camaraderie and familiar faces for helping him settle quickly. “Everyone welcomed me with open arms, but I know some players from Germany like Nathan Tella, who I’ve played against, Frank Onyeka, Boniface, also Maduka Okoye,” he said. “All the players welcomed me very well, so it’s a very good feeling to be here.”
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Agu praised the quality of the Super Eagles squad but stressed that success will depend on the players’ mentality. “I see the quality in the team. The players have a lot of potential — it’s just about getting the right mindset on the pitch, to really know what it’s all about because there’s no room for errors anymore. We have to win all or we don’t make it.”
With his international future now fully aligned with Nigeria, Agu is expected to play a key role in their upcoming AFCON campaign and the World Cup qualifying schedule. He made his second international appearance for Nigeria in a 1-1 friendly draw with Russia in Moscow earlier this June.
