Efe Ambrose admits being called up to the Nigeria squad for the World Cup would be the greatest achievement of his career.
The Hibs defender’s form at Easter Road has led to Salisu Yusuf potentially recalling him to the squad.
Ambrose hasn’t featured for the national side since facing Egypt almost two years ago but he boasts 51 caps and an Africa Cup of Nations winners’ medal.
The former Celtic centre-back also represented Nigeria at the last World Cup and insists he still has plenty to offer on the biggest stage of all.
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Ambrose said: “Coming back into the national team would be a great achievement and feeling.
“To pull on that green-and-white shirt again would be my dream.
“My country gave me the platform to get to where I am today so representing them again would be the best thing that could happen in my career. There is more I can give and more I can achieve. I will never say never.
“I have achieved so many aspirations with my national team, the Olympics, the Under-20s, the Confederations Cup, winning the Nations Cup and playing in the World Cup . I have a lot of good experiences.
“I just want to keep my form going and make sure I am in good shape, that is the most important thing. From there it is up to the gaffer to select me.
“If he sees me playing like I have been and wants to call upon my experience for the World Cup, then why not? That would be my dream, because it has been too long since I was part of the national team.”
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Ambrose reckons he is in the form of his career after making his loan move from the Hoops permanent last summer.
He impressed in the heart of the Hibs defence earlier this campaign before cutting a composed figure deputising at right-back due to injuries to Steven Whitakker and David Gray.
As well as revitalising his own career, the 29-year-old has helped Hibs roar to within five points of second-placed Rangers.
Ambrose said: “This is one of my best (career) moments, playing the way I am right now as part of this team.
“It is not just about Efe Ambrose, we are in good form as a team and that is helping us to put in the best performances.
“There is a bit of competition in the squad and the quality is very high. We have good players, good talent and to be able to match that you have to keep improving and be in the best form you can. If not, the manager (Neil Lennon) will take you and put someone else in.”
Having lapped up his five years on the books of Celtic, Ambrose has found another place in Scotland to call home.
He added: “Everyone has responded to me so well – the fans, the staff and all the lads here.
“They really helped me to settle down. It felt like I went from a home to another home when I went from Celtic to Hibs because I was so welcomed from the moment I stepped in the door.”