Anthony Dennis: Nigeria’s rising star and youngest Super Eagles call-up

Posted : 05 March 2025

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his first provisional squad of 39 players for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March. While the squad will eventually be reduced to 23 players before the matches, Chelle’s selection has generated several points of interest and surprise.

One of the most unexpected inclusions is 20-year-old midfielder Anthony Junior Dennis, who receives his first-ever international call-up. Breaking into the senior national team is a rare feat for a 20-year-old, particularly one who has not played for any of Nigeria's youth teams. Dennis was born in Kaduna, Nigeria, and grew up playing street football, a common starting point for many aspiring Nigerian footballers.

Dennis’s potential was recognized early, and he began his formal training at various local academies before joining HB Academy in Abuja. His impressive skills caught the attention of scouts from Turkey, and in January 2023, Göztepe SK secured his signature, bringing him into their U19 squad. Despite his youth, Dennis made an immediate impact and earned a place in the senior squad, making his professional debut in a 1-1 draw against Çorum in the Turkish First League on January 27, 2024.

As a key player in Göztepe's push for promotion, Dennis made 15 league appearances, 14 of which were as a starter. He scored two goals and contributed to his club's successful return to the Süper Lig after two seasons in the second tier. Dennis’s stellar performances earned him a new contract in May 2024, keeping him at Göztepe until 2027.

A dynamic defensive midfielder with an excellent passing range, tough tackling ability, and boundless energy, Dennis has been a standout player in Turkey's top flight. His performances in the Süper Lig have helped Göztepe secure a sixth-place position on the league table, with one of the best defensive records outside the top five.

Dennis’s rise has flown somewhat under the radar in Turkey, with much of the focus on Victor Osimhen’s exploits at Galatasaray. However, Dennis’s consistent performances have slowly gained attention, and his work ethic and tactical discipline have earned him a place in Chelle's squad. Known for his hunger and relentless approach, Dennis fits perfectly with Chelle’s philosophy of selecting young, determined players eager to fight for every ball.

Although Dennis will likely play a supporting role during the March qualifiers, learning from more experienced players like Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, his time will come. If given the opportunity, Dennis is poised to make the most of it, just as he did with Göztepe. His inclusion in Chelle’s first squad represents the potential dawn of a new era for the Super Eagles, with Dennis possibly playing a significant role in the future.

Anthony Dennis: Nigeria’s rising star and youngest Super Eagles call-up

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics