Ikechukwu Ezenwa has assured that he will give 110 per cent support to whoever emerges as the Super Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper as his competition with Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi continues ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Completesports.com reports.
The Katsina United shot-stopper has been a member of the Super Eagles for close to four years after making his international debut on September 8, 2015, but has not had a long-standing first-choice status despite making 18 international appearances.
He was the number one goalie for the home-based Super Eagles team that came second at the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) which took place in Morocco.
The 30-year-old was also the Super Eagles’ second-choice goalkeeper at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia behind Uzoho. He has featured for clubs like defunct Ocean Boys, Sunshine Stars and FC IfeanyiUbah in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Ezenwa is eyeing his first ever AFCON appearance at Egypt 2019.
He spoke to Complete Sports in Asaba about the upcoming AFCON 2019 assignment and the competition for the Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper spot.
“I don’t care whether I am first choice or not, the most important thing is for Nigeria to do well at the African Cup of Nations and even possibly win the trophy,” Ezenwa said.
“If the coach didn’t pick me as the number one, I will give my 110 percent support to whoever mans the goal-post. if it is Francis Uzoho or Daniel Akpeyi, I am very okay with that, I will back anyone with my prayer.”
On being the sole representative of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the current Super Eagles’ setup, Ezenwa said: “I thank God for that. I promise not to fail the local league if I am chosen to be in goal for the Eagles when the AFCON proper starts.
“I see this opportunity as a privilege because I believe that there are many good goalkeepers in our great country, Nigeria. But what is important is for us to go to Egypt and represent our nation well and if possible, win the trophy.”
By Oluyemi Ogunseyin in Asaba
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COMMENTS
We all know that you’re way better than the rest of the 2 keepers. U proved that by immediately stepping in to the shoes of Ikeme when he was struck with cancer and led us through the world cup qualifiers with a game to spare. Reason why u’re where u are is just bcos the coach likes uzoho which is normal in football.
See me see trouble! when did you become my mouthpiece or management company? ‘we all know you are better than the other 2 goalkeepers’ you and who? A beg speak for yourself and park joor!
Uzoho is number one finish. I speak for myself and not others because I know Uzoho isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Even Akpeyi is marginally better than Uzoho if not for the silly mistakes that have most unfortunately come to define him.
So, listen to me Sherrif, when next you speak, speak for yourself or else I will come down there and deal with you mercilessly.
See me o!
Hmmmm…u have personally confirmed they’re no good by mentioning their series of unforgettable costly elementary mistakes. Man wey get sense. U luring me into an unnecessary argument?? I ain’t gonna waste my precious data on u,not worth it at all. Look my friend, I made a comment without mentioning ur name, so, for your own good, pls stay off my comments. If you’re looking for attention, just strip yourself naked and parade the streets. You’ll definitely get enough attention just like the stripper that ran into the pitch during the champions league finals.
Easy, tiger…… Wowe! That’s a bit strong. I never meant to hurt your feelings @Oakfield. You are my guy al day, you just make me laugh some times… Which is actually a good thing.
I am not luring you to an unnecessary argument as you say. Any contributor with even the lowest level of IQ will know to expect responses to their post and would have demonstrated wisdom in reflecting this awareness in their contribution.
Also, I know you never mentioned my name specifically. One doesn’t need glasses to read through my post to figure that out.
All I was saying is that your comment stating ‘we all know’ could have been phrased differently knowing fully well that we all know that not everyone prefers Ezenwa over the other 2 goalkeepers.
Like you say, I am looking for attention but not the type that you suggested, I think stripping naked in public will send out the wrong signals.
Also, please no vex, I will not keep away from your post. You can be quite funny. I will rather read and respond to your post than strip and go out naked (if I said something like that I would regard myself to be stupid).
My guy, no vex bro. Didn’t mean to make you sob. You be my partner in crime as far as supporting the Super Eagles.
What unites us is greater than the ludicrous suggestions (like striping naked) that divides us.
Lol… U eh…. I tire for ur way… Ashly MA G anyday… Lol… That we there means me and family… Lol..
You be my guy any day. I just love pulling your legs (and you seem to fall for it severally). Lol
Lol…. I dy tel u o, you even pull my head sef but biko don’t compare calamity akpeyi to ezenwa… Lol…one love…
Abeg, make u find ‘ruth’ button to ‘Edith’ akpeyi…. Lol
all of una no go kill me with laff for this forum , absolutely loving it