–After top class outing in Bosnia win
Nigeria fans were not the only one pleasantly surprised by Michael Babatunde’s display against Bosnia on Saturday in Cuiaba.
Not a few eyebrows were raised when the Volyn Lutsk forward was named in the Nigeria starting line-up, in what was acknowledged to be the win or bust fixture for the Super Eagles.
But the 21-year-old sparkled in a fluid central midfield role, before switching positions with Osaze Odemwingie and excelling out wide.
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and defender Efe Ambrose say they were taken aback.
“I was even surprised too, I can’t lie,” Enyeama said. “That just shows the quality we have in this team.
“This is God. You take your chance, like I took mine years back. He took his chance. He played very well and he was great. I’m happy for him and wish him all the best.
Ambrose gave credit to coach Stephen Keshi for picking the youngster.
“We just have to thank the gaffer because he made the team, he chooses who will play.
“Bringing him into the team was a big surprise even to us. But he was amazing how he played today, the creativity, the fighting spirit, the movement that he brought into the game and everything. He was superb.
“It was his first game in a while, and I believe the more he plays the more he comes into the game and the more confidence he gets and we’ll see more from him.”
For Omeruo, Babatunde was simply a standout. “He was amazing,” was all the defender could offer.
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COMMENTS
Good for him, but more is expected from him. with this hand, he will be a great player and a future hope for the country.