Boreham Wood’s Femi Ilesanmi now set to soar with the Super Eagles

defender Femi Ilesanmi won't rest until he is walking out in a Nigeria shirt at next summer's World Cup.

The 26-year-old was called up by his national side recently and took part in an in-house friendly match last month in London.

The Super Eagles were impressed by what they saw from the Wood full-back at 's Hive Stadium and with games coming up next month, Ilesanmi will be patiently waiting by his phone.

The former Dagenham defender's parents are from Nigeria and the Southwark-born star is determined to complete his childhood dream.

He told : “I was shocked to be invited along last month. It took me by surprise to be honest but what an honour for me. I have always wanted to pull on a Nigeria shirt, but to work closely with such a talented group of players is what dreams are made of in a lot of ways.

“Arsenal's Alex Iwobi and Manchester City's Kelechi Ihenacho were involved, and Jon Obi Mikel. It was an incredible experience to play and train with some of my heroes. But the experience has left me wanting even more.”

Ambition

From Boreham Wood to the World Cup may seem a tall order, but stranger things have happened and the club's Player of the Year is already attracting interest from League clubs.

“That would be the ultimate for me to be a part of that squad if we made it to Russia,” he adds. “That's a life ambition for every player, but it's one step at a time. The next stage is to end the season well and to try and force my way into the next squad. There are games coming up at the end of May and I would love to be involved.

“Hopefully I did enough and showed I'm not out of place playing with those great players.”

Out of contract in the summer, Ilesanmi doesn't know for sure what's happening next season as Luke Garrard looks to rebuild over the summer.

“On a personal level I've enjoyed the season,” said the defender. “I want to play at the highest level possible. I am very ambitious and know next season is an important one for me. It's a big period in my career.”

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