Alfred Effiong has declared himself “proud and honoured” to represent Malta after the Nigeria-born striker made his bow for his adoptive country in the 2-0 defeat against Georgia in a friendly match on Wednesday.
The forward was introduced by Pietro Ghedin as a replacement for Jean Paul Farrugia on the hour, just a month after Effiong obtained his Maltese passport.
Effiong was unlucky not to crown his debut with a goal as, with 12 minutes remaining, his low strike came off a post with goalkeeper Nukri Revishvili beaten.
“I’m happy to have made my first appearance for Malta,” the 30-year-old Qormi striker told Times of Malta.
“The result could have been better. Getting a win on my debut would have been fantastic but the team gave its best.
“Now I’m looking forward to Saturday’s game and hoping to get a good result.”
Although Effiong was born and bred in Nigeria, he has been plying his trade in Maltese football for the past decade, establishing himself in the Premier League where he has turned out for a host of clubs.
Asked to describe what it meant for him to represent Malta in international football, Effiong replied: “Malta is a home for me and playing for the country in international football gives me lot of pride.
“Malta is my country, my wife and daughter are Maltese. It’s an honour for me to represent Malta.”
On the back of his encouraging cameo on Wednesday, Effiong could be in line to start against Azerbaijan tomorrow, moreso as captain Michael Mifsud has yet to complete a two-match ban following his dismissal in the 1-0 home defeat to Italy.
“It depends on the coach,” Effiong said of his first-team prospects for tomorrow’s Group H qualifier in Baku.
“If he gives me the opportunity, I would be very happy but every player wants to be in the starting team.”
Quiet and unassuming, Effiong has been well-received by his new Malta team-mates since reporting for international duty last week.
“The players have welcomed me,” Effiong said.
“I know most of them at club level. We were friends before I joined the national squad. It was not difficult for me to settle in as everyone was very helpful, especially the coach and his staff.
“I feel happy.”