KARACHI: British Pakistani footballer Adil Nabi is determined to help Pakistan win a World Cup qualifier this year – something the team has never done before.
The midfielder has confirmed that he will represent the Pakistan national football team in this year’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Birmingham-born Nabi currently plays for Athens Kallithea FC in the second tier of the Greek football league system, which will prevent him from joining Pakistan in June.
“I won’t be available in the June window but I will be there to make history and change Pakistan football in the World Cup qualifiers in October,” Nabi told JEE News on Friday.
“I want to bring glory to Pakistan through football and make it a big game in the country.
“Of course, it will be great to represent the Pakistan national football team. My brother [Rahas Nabi] is already representing the country this month. I know everyone in Pakistan is waiting for me. Inshallah the wait will end soon.
The joys of football…⚽️😍 pic.twitter.com/Y9OG7quENB
— Adil Nabi (@NabiAdil) January 8, 2022
Adil also explained his unavailability during the international matches in June, where the Shaheens will play the four-nation cup in Mauritius while also participating in the SAFF Championship in India.
“It [the reason for not being available for the June window] was docs because I had a busy schedule so it wasn’t possible. However, I will look at everything that happens in the June window. Support guys!” he added.
Adil, who is also capable of playing as a striker, has so far scored 41 goals and 21 assists in 182 matches during his career.
Adil began his career in the youth ranks of West Bromwich Albion after joining their academy at the age of eight. He spent almost 15 years at The Hawthorns before leaving in 2016.
✈️⚽️💯 pic.twitter.com/aDtJlkbn1F
— Adil Nabi (@NabiAdil) October 4, 2021
However, he has been plying his trade in Greece since 2019, where he has also represented Atromitos and OFI Crete in the past.
In 2015–16, he also spent some time on loan in the Indian Super League for Delhi Dynamos, where he shared the locker room with the likes of Roberto Carlos, John Arne Rice and Florent Malouda.
Adil also won the Young Player of the Year award at the Asian Football Awards in 2013 and has represented the England national team at Under-16 and Under-17 levels.
Adil’s younger brothers Samir and Raheesh, who have been called up by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) for upcoming matches, are also professional footballers.
