Jamilu Collins reveals why he withdrew from Super Eagles squad to face Saudi Arabia and Mozambique

Super Eagles full-back, Jamilu Collins, has revealed the reason he withdrew from the country’s squad to take on Saudi Arabia during the international break.

Collins, 29, was a regular for Bundesliga side, S.C. Paderborn, during their time in the German top flight before they got relegated to the 2. Bundesliga.

His move to Cardiff City was confirmed on 15th May 2022, but not too long after, with just four games for his new side, he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, and the injury kept him out for the season.

Kaduna-born Collins described the injury as “horrid”, and explained that it felt like he got a new knee, but since then has become a regular for the Bluebirds, featuring in eleven Championship games so far this term.

During the October International break, Collins was initially called up by Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro to be a part of the squad that will play in the friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, only for the 25-time capped Super Eagle to pull out of the squad.

Speaking ahead of Cardiff’s game against Bristol City, the left-back finally revealed the rationale behind his decision to not travel to Portugal ahead of the game.

The Abuja Football College Academy graduate explained that he was given the advice not to go by his club coach, Erol Bulut, due to his injury issues.

“Me not going to the national team was for myself. I’ve been out for a long time and the gaffer told me not to because he wants me to rest due to the issues with my hamstring. I think the advice was the right one for me,” Collins told the club’s official website.

The 29-year-old is enjoying his football in the Championship and England as a whole and wants to make the most of it.

“I always wanted to play in England. I always wanted to test this football. I was really happy to be joining Cardiff,” He added.

Erol Bulut’s men are currently seventh in the Championships with twenty points from their first thirteen games, meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho’s Leicester are top with thirty-six points.