Skip to main content

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

Popular posts from this blog

Juventus Manager Allegri Signs Contract Extension Untill 2020

Massimiliano Allegri has signed a new contract with Juventus, keeping him with the Serie A side until 2020, the Turin outfit have confirmed. The 49-year-old will remain at Juventus Stadium for another three seasons, having guided the Old Lady to a third successive domestic double. Allegri helped Juve win the Serie A and Copa Italia titles this season, and guided them to the Champions League final. Since taking over at Juventus Stadium in 2014, he has won the domestic double each season and has a 69 per cent winning rate. The former midfielder had been linked with a move to Arsenal before Arsene Wenger agreed a new two-year deal, but will now remain in Turin until the end of the 2019-20 season. In a statement, Juventus said: "Juventus is pleased to announce that Massimiliano Allegri has signed a contract renewal at the club until 2020. "Today's agreement extends a working relationship that has seen the Bianconeri consolidate their position as Italy's...

Real Madrid Left Back Marcelo Ruled Out for One Month while Toni Kroos will Miss Real Madrid's trip to Alaves

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos is set join Marcelo in the treatment room when Los Blancos visit Alaves on Saturday (23 September) after suffering a rib injury. The news is a fresh concern for Zinedine Zidane as Karim Benzema, Theo Hernandez, Jesus Vallejo and Mateo Kovacic are also ruled out for the visit to Mendizorroza due to various injuries. Kroos, 27, missed the last weekend's 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad due to a fitness problem. The Germany international returned to Zidane's starting line-up for Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Real Betis and was able to complete the full 90 minutes. However, it looks like Kroos suffered a recurrence of the problem in that game after Real Madrid revealed on Friday morning that the midfielder skipped the final training session before Los Blancos' trip to Vitoria. Zidane himself later confirmed the blow in a press conference, adding that he expects the midfielder to recover in time for the crucial Champions League trip t...

Tottenham Close to Completing £23m Serge Aurier Transfer

Tottenham are closing in on a £23million move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Serge Aurier. The Ivory Coast international has been free to leave the French giants following the arrival of Dani Alves to the club. Aurier, 24, has been heavily linked with Manchester United and Chelsea but Spurs have shown the firmest interest in the right-back. Mauricio Pochettino sanctioned Kyle Walker’s £50million move to Manchester City on the basis that Kieran Trippier had shown he was a worthy replacement towards the end of last season. However, the Argentine wants greater strength in depth and the Evening Standard claim Spurs are close to a £23m deal and Aurier will sign a five-year deal. Aurier was denied entry into the UK last October for Paris Saint-Germain’s clash with Arsenal because he was found guilty of elbowing a police offer a month earlier. The ban is still in place but Aurier is currently contesting the charge and Spurs are clearly confident that he will win his case....