Goalkeeping Crisis Force Super Eagles Coach to Call up Non-league Goalkeeper, Tope Okeowo

Nigeria’s goalkeeping crisis has taken a new dimension as Tope Okeowo of non-league English side Peckham United has been called up to the Super Eagles for the international friendlies against Senegal and Burkina Faso. Visa hitches means South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi’s arrival at the camp was delayed as Ikechukwu Ezenwa is still expected in camp from Nigeria. Carl Ikeme was the only goalkeeper in training as on Monday and Tuesday and this prompted the handlers to hand a late call-up to the former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper.

Okeowo told supersport.com that he is happy with the call-up even though it came as a huge surprise to him.

“I’m short of words and I can’t really explain what this means to me. It is a honor to be called up to the Super Eagles. I almost didn’t believe it when I received the call,” he said.

“This is not my first time playing for the national team. I was part of the 2003 Golden Eaglets squad to Finland 2003.

“Coach Austin Eguavoen was the coach then and we had the likes of John Obi Mikel, Chinedu Obasi, Chamberlain Ekrebe, Adetoro Morufu and Ezekiel Bala in the squad.

“I enjoyed that experienced but I must say I’m surprised by this call-up. I give glory to God and my lovely wife.” Okeowo added.

Nigeria will take on Senegal at Barnet FC’s ground on Thursday before meeting Burkina Faso next week Monday to round up their two-game international break.

Source: Supersport

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