Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) goalkeepers Adewale Adeyinka (L) of Akwa United and Ojo Olorunleke (R) of Enyimba FC were recently selected to represent the Super Eagles for international friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States of America.

Shorunmu Begins Search For National Team Goalkeepers From NPFL

Last updated May 11, 2022

Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, is currently monitoring the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for quality goalkeepers, whom he intends to groom for the national team.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Shorunmu said that the process of selecting goalkeepers for international championships is a key focus for the Super Eagles coaches, who want to create healthy competition that would bring out the best in them.

“I am currently focused on the league to select good keepers that will fight for shirts ahead of the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN),” Shorunmu said, while stressing that his selection process would be devoid of sentiment.

Nigerian football goalkeeping legend and Super Eagles Team B goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu.

“My mission is to ensure Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles have quality goalkeepers that will give good account of themselves in the team,” Shorunmu added.

“While we wait for the CAF draws, I want to ensure that the goalkeeping department is taken care of.”

On CAF’s decision to play the final game of this year’s Confederation Cup final in Uyo, Shorunmu said the hosting rights would be a good advertisement for Nigerian football and could also attract sponsors to the Nigeria league.

“Hosting the CAF Confederation Cup final will put Nigeria in the World map. All eyes will be on Nigeria on the final day, which might wake up some corporate bodies or well-meaning individuals to invest in the league,” Shorumnu said.

“The hosting will also make the world view Nigeria as still a top country in African football even if the country’s teams are not playing in the final of the Confederation Cup.”

Read more: CAF Selects Godswill Akpabio International Stadium For Confederation Cup Final
Read more: Top attackers missing as Nigeria invites 30 players for Mexico, Ecuador matches

CAF recently confirmed that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, will host the 2022 Confederation Cup final on Friday, May 20, 2022.

The Senior Special Assistant on Sports to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Paul Bassey, disclosed this.

Bassey hinted that FIFA Pitch Consultant, Jorge Manuel Palmacuder, has arrived in Uyo to supervise the perfection of the pitch and training ground of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, also known as Nest of Champions.

Bassey, who doubles as chairman of Akwa United, said with the development, the stadium would be closed to all activities till after the Confederation Cup final.

Chidi Nwoke/The Guardian.