Sharif on Somalia call up after hybrid model boost

Connah’s Quay Nomads’ new hybrid model has already seen some significant breakthroughs, and one standout example is Abdi Sharif’s call up to the Somalia national team for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which take place next week.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Nomads in the summer, caught the eye of Somalia manager Yusuf Ali Nur following his Player of the Match performance against Colwyn Bay on the opening weekend of the JD Cymru Premier.

Sharif was informed by the Somali boss that he would be watching him in our league opener and claimed “it was a chance for me to impress him and show him what I could bring to the squad.”

Just moments after the match, Sharif received the exciting news from Yusuf Ali Nur that he would be called up to the national squad.

“A call up was not something I was expecting this early in the season, but it clearly shows I am doing something right and I have to maintain that,” he added.

Somalia have two scheduled FIFA World Cup qualifiers next week as they will be facing Guinea on Friday, 5 September and Uganda on Monday, 8 September.

Our hybrid model is something that has allowed these younger players to develop their game, and with Sharif training regularly and working under a high quality coaching staff, he has expressed his gratitude on how the hybrid model has helped him prepare for the international stage.

“The hybrid model is a key part for us players to keep the sharpness and fitness at a high standard,” said Sharif. “The extra days of training make a huge difference as we have the extra fitness and quality we need for tough games in a tough league.

“It was something that instantly appealed to me in one of my first conversations with the gaffer, and now it has led me to getting this international call up, which is a proud moment for me and my family.”

This will not be Sharif’s first rodeo playing for Somalia as he was called up for friendlies against Niger and Sierra Leone in 2023.

The thought of representing your country at senior level again is something Sharif feels honoured about, but the prestige of the FIFA World Cup adds far more weight to his journey this time around.

He admitted a second call up to the national team was “something he had been working towards since the end of last season”, and now he is determined to show his country how much he has developed since his first caps.

“It was a great experience for me against Niger and Sierra Leone two years ago,” said Sharif. “It is a massive honour as a player and I am excited to go out there and make a difference.

“I have also been told to grab the opportunity with both hands and to enjoy every minute of it. It is a different feeling when you have the whole nation behind you. It really gives you that extra motivation.

“I am delighted to receive this call up and I think the team played a huge part in this, so I am very grateful.”

Known for not only his quality, but also his versatility, Sharif and his family moved to Liverpool when he was just six years old.

He would later become a key part of the Reds’ academy, before his move to Wigan Athletic saw him become the first Somali player to make an appearance in the EFL Championship.

With Sharif still only 23 years old, he still has a long way to go in his football career. Legendary Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard said in a 2018 interview that “physically he can hit big numbers”, and we hope his time here at Connah’s Quay can contribute to an exciting journey.

The earlier journeys in his career, the switch to our hybrid model, and now a second international call up are all moments that he and his family can cherish for the years to come.

“My family have been with me from the start of my footballing career,” he said. “They have constantly supported and motivated me each year and without them, none of this would be possible. “They are happy that I joined the hybrid setup at Connah’s Quay as they know I am getting regular coaching and extra training sessions under my belt, which is also going to play a huge part in the season ahead." For some Nomads fans, you may be familiar with the support from Sharif’s nine older brothers, who have attended the majority of our matches so far this season.

In the often demanding world of senior football, having that kind of support is a valuable asset, and with Sharif set to have his family alongside him out in Somalia, he is eager to make this one of his proudest moments yet.

“Yes, my family will be there to support me in the games,” he said. “They know how much their support means to me and seeing them there will give me that extra push I need.”

Sharif’s first few days in Somalia will feature some busy training sessions, and he is hoping to help end The Ocean Stars’ winless run in their World Cup qualifying group.

“These days will be important as there are new players coming into the squad, so getting that team bonding in will be vital,” he added. “The training will be intense as we are preparing for two tough games. A lot of details will be given to us and we have to make sure we execute them well when it comes to matchday.

“These two games are a chance to prove myself on the international stage and show everyone what I can do. I am really excited for this, and I hope we get the results we need.”

Sharif was a part of a massive squad overhaul this summer, which saw new manager John Disney recruit 11 new faces into his new-look team.

It has been a positive start to the season and new bonds and relationships have been built. After a frustrating campaign last season, a response is required, and that is something Sharif is keen to be involved in.

“My goals are to win things here at Connah’s Quay,” the Somali international said. “When I spoke to Dis before I signed, he said he wants to create a winning mentality and the main focus being getting back into Europe.

“Every player here wants to compete and play at the highest level and for me there is no better place to try and achieve this than at Connah’s Quay.

“With the quality players we have here, I know we can achieve good things come the end of the season.”

Sharif is the not the only Nomads player to receive a call up for the upcoming international break as goalkeeper Kit Margetson is set to join up with the Cymru U21s squad, and considering we are just one month into the domestic season, this is something the club can take huge pride in.

Everyone at the Nomads wishes Abdi and Kit the best of luck in their respective journeys, and we will see you both soon!