Issa Djibrilla - new Mena star

Last October, Issa Djibrilla Ibrahim had his chance with the senior Mena squad, when Niger faced Chad then Sierra Leone in friendly matches. Since then, his popularity has continued to climb. The sequence of preparation matches and playoffs amid the COVID-19 pandemic brought him luck.

Etoile striker - who has an exceptional fan club in Niger - is now one of the stars of the team. His fan club grew in a short time to his great happiness. For the moment, he is in Douala as a part of Niger squad in the ongoing Total African Nations Championship (CHAN), Cameroon 2020.

CAFOnline.com: How was it when you arrived in Cameroon?

Djibrilla: Everything went well. We came here ten days before the tournament and did a good preparation.

How did you see your first game against Libya?

We gave everything and tried to win but it didn't work. We played well but victory eluded us. We will continue to play like this because victory in the coming game can drive us closer to the next round. We have a good team, and we will continue working.

You created the best chances in the game but without success. What was missing?

I tried to take responsibility and score, but it didn't happen. We are physically and mentally ready, we have the motivation, and will try to correct this. I tried to create chances, and hopefully next time we will score. We had a good first game and now we will force ourselves to do better in the next match.

What are your ambitions?

I came to play for my country and for myself. My dream is to try to go further and if I continue like this, even Europe will open up to me. I would like to go.

Does the family support you in your choices?

Yes, they help me. They are always there for me. Four or five members of my family came here to support me and that makes me happy.