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

Comments

Roma Midfielder Signs New Deal with Italian Club

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has signed a new four-year contract with the Serie A club. The 29-year-old Belgium international had been linked with Manchester United in Italian media, while Chelsea were also reported to be interested. This was coupled by suggestions that Nainggolan was growing impatient with the numerous delays in receiving a contract proposal from the capital club. However, the 29-year-old has put any doubts about his future to bed by extending his contract until 2021, in a deal that will see him earn €4.5 million per season, including bonuses, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I think I have demonstrated that this is what I always wanted," Nainggolan said. "I'm very happy that the club and I can continue our adventure and move forward together." Nainggolan has played 161 times for Roma since joining from Cagliari in 2014. Nainggolan becomes the third senior central midfielder to extend their contract at Roma th...

Chelsea Winger Suffers 'Multiple Fractures', Says Chelsea Antonio Conte

Chelsea's Pedro has suffered multiple fractures from his collision with David Ospina in China, according to boss Antonio Conte. Ahead of the Blues' next pre-season clash with Bayern Munich in Singapore, Conte confirmed Pedro must wear a protective mask after 10 days of rehabilitation. Conte said: "The situation was more serious. I hoped it would be only concussion. He had multiple fractures but I think with a mask in 10 days he could come back to work with us." The Spaniard was clattered by Arsenal goalkeeper Ospina during their 3-0 win over Arsenal in Beijing on Saturday and was sent home to England with concussion the next day. The 29-year-old had left the field at Bird's Nest Stadium groggy and hobbling, with visible cuts to his face and head. Conte had initially been hopeful Pedro could join them in Singapore for the next leg of their tour but the forward said on Instagram: "What a shock. Fortunately everything is okay." Pedro ...

Alexis Sanchez is just what Manchester United Need, Says Fortmer Tottenham Manager

The signing of a proven world-class forward such as Alexis Sanchez is just what Manchester United need to compete for the biggest prizes, former Tottenham manager Gerry Francis has said. Sanchez, 29, joined United on a four-and-a-half-year contract from Arsenal on Monday, 22 January, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction in a straight-swap deal. "Sanchez is a real goal-scorer, he's talented and he's aggressive around the box and he makes things happen, he can pull teams through," he told Sky Sports.Francis described the Chilean forward as a match-winner who will aid United in their quest to win silverware by adding some much-needed potency to their attack. "It's [about] the present, you're looking to win trophies and looking to win competitions and, sometimes, you need to buy and have the finished article and Sanchez is certainly that. "It just makes them as a squad that much stronger. Certainly, a much bigger goal-threat with Sa...

Plauseorminus

Search This Blog