Super Eagles’ midfielder, Michael Babatunde, on Thursday in Abuja said his best was yet to come in terms of performance for the national male football team.
Babatunde told newsmen he was not discouraged with the injury he sustained during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and he was still ready to give his all to the country.
“My best is yet to come when it comes to what I can offer the national team and I am promising Nigerians that I will always answer the national call, whenever I am summoned,” he said.
The player said he was rather optimistic of better days ahead of him with the Super Eagles.
Babatunde sustained a broken arm injury when he blocked teammate Ogenyi Onazi’s shot during Nigeria’s June 25 match with Argentina.
The match was Nigeria’s last Group F match at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, before losing 0-2 to France in the Round of 16.
He said: “Although, the injury I sustained was a kind of setback for me, I am not discouraged in terms of my potential.
“I know my ability as a player and I want to state it that my best was not what Nigerians saw in the two matches I featured in.
“But I am happy with my performance because I was able to prove many people wrong, including those who thought my name was a mistake on the list.
“Coach Stephen Keshi’s decision to include me in the matches was an answered prayer.
“This is because it was a dream come true for me to play at the World Cup as young as I am.”
The 21-year-old Babatunde plays in the Ukrainian Premier League.
He, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the Sports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, for their unflinching support since he sustained the injury.
Babatunde, who plays for Volyn Lutsk, said: “I want to thank the President and the Sports Minister for their support since I sustained this injury because they really stood by me.
“Their support has now reinforced in me the zeal to honour national calls because after the surgery, the doctor told me I would be fine in a month’s time.
“So, it is an encouragement for me.”
My best yet to come – Super Eagles Babatunde
