Plymouth Argyle forward Owen Oseni in disbelief after Nigeria call-up

Plymouth Argyle forward Owen Oseni has admitted he was left in “disbelief” after receiving his first call-up to the Nigeria national team, marking a dramatic milestone in a career that has gathered momentum in England’s lower leagues.

He is part of a squad set to face Poland and Portugal in pre-World Cup friendly fixtures next month, before also featuring in the Unity Cup in London later this month against Zimbabwe and then either India or Jamaica.

Late surge seals international recognition

Oseni’s selection comes after a sharp end to the League One season, where he scored three times in Plymouth’s final four matches as the club narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

He ended his first full campaign in the English Football League with 10 goals in 33 appearances, having joined Plymouth last summer from Scottish side St Mirren following a spell with Gateshead in the National League.

Heritage opens multiple international doors

Eligible to represent Nigeria through his father and the Ivory Coast through his mother, Oseni also qualifies for the Republic of Ireland, reflecting a diverse international background that adds complexity to his decision.

“I know I had an alright season, but to get called up for a country where there’s more than 240 million people and probably 50% want to play for their country was quite a big deal for me so I was really buzzing,” Oseni told BBC Sport.

Confidence boost and League One message

Oseni believes the experience will sharpen his readiness for the new campaign, as he targets a regular starting role at Plymouth Argyle next season.

He also used the moment to highlight the quality within England’s third tier, arguing that League One deserves greater recognition for the talent it produces and hosts.

“It’ll definitely boost my confidence coming back into pre-season,” he said.

“I’m looking to come back and nail down the starting position now for Argyle next year and I think this will help me a lot, this call-up.”

“I feel like in League One being the third tier in England, it could get looked upon as not the highest standard because it’s third tier.

“But there’s a lot of great players in League One, there’s a lot of good internationals in League One who go and do well for the country.

“So it definitely gives League One that recognition I think it deserves because I think in terms of the individual quality, and the players this season, the league was very good.”