Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhaté, the 27-year-old has received the prestigious call-up to represent Senegal in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023. The Lions, seeking to defend their title secured in 2021, will feature Niakhaté as a key player in their campaign.
In an exclusive interview with Actu Foot Afrique this Sunday, Niakhaté shared the profound significance of donning the national jersey, expressing, “I realized the biggest dream of my career which was to play for Senegal.”
The sentiment echoes the immense pride and accomplishment that encapsulates the defender’s journey to this pivotal moment in his footballing career.
Niakhaté, who plies his trade with Nottingham Forest, considers the opportunity to represent Senegal as the culmination of a significant chapter in his professional life.
“Whatever happens, even if my career ends tomorrow, it would have been the biggest achievement of my career,” affirmed the dedicated defender, acknowledging the gravity of the moment.
The upcoming AFCON 2023 will mark Niakhaté’s debut in the African Cup, adding another layer of significance to his association with the Senegalese national team.
As Senegal navigates a challenging Group C, featuring formidable opponents in the form of Cameroon, Gambia, and Guinea, Niakhaté and his teammates are poised for a demanding yet potentially rewarding tournament.
As the football community applauds Niakhaté’s achievement and eagerly anticipates his performance on the continental stage, the defender’s sentiments reflect the profound impact of realizing a childhood dream and the honor of representing one’s nation at the highest level of international competition.
