Anvar Abdulkadirov, the father of CSKA football player Djamalutdin Abdulkadirov, shared his thoughts on his son’s inclusion in the final lineup of the Russian national team for friendly matches against Nigeria and Belarus.

“It’s a surprise for Djamal himself that he has played four partial matches for CSKA and has now made it to the national team. Many players compete for a long time without ever being called up to the national squad. I find it hard to grasp myself. I didn’t see this coming. I thought Djamal would be sitting on the bench at CSKA, especially with players like Rocha, Diveev, and Moises in the team. They are established players, while he is young and still developing. But Nikolich believed in him and gave him a chance.

For our family, it’s a joyous occasion that Djamal has been called up to the national team. All our friends and relatives are following his progress, constantly calling to congratulate us,” Abdulkadirov said in a conversation with Championship correspondent Vladislav Kruglov.

The team coached by Valery Karpin will face Nigeria on June 6 and Belarus on June 10.