A Case for Ani Ozoemena

Good morning!

It’s Thursday, and you know what that means—a little throwback. But don’t worry, I won’t drag us too deep into the past, because what we really need is action in the present to create a future worth bragging about.

So, quick one: Can you name your top three goalkeepers to have ever starred for the Super Eagles? I bet Vincent Enyeama makes your list without even thinking. The man was so good that people joked Lionel Messi couldn’t score against him—well, until Messi eventually did. But do you know where Enyeama was when he got his first Super Eagles invitation? Right here at Enyimba FC. And guess what? Not long after, Dele Aiyenugba joined the party. Back then, if you wanted a shortcut to the national team from the domestic league, Enyimba was basically the expressway.

Fast forward to today. From the entire Enyimba squad, only two players made the CHAN team. Just two! Ani Ozoemena—unarguably our player of the season—and Imo Obot, easily our best-performing fullback. Two out of twenty-six isn’t exactly terrible, considering there are nineteen other top-flight teams plus a swarm of clubs below.

But now to the real gist. On Tuesday, the new Super Eagles coach dropped his 39-man provisional list for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Four NPFL players made the cut—one for every department. Sounds fair, right? On the surface, yes. But here’s where things get spicy.

I have zero issues with the inclusions of Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Ahmed Musa. No wahala there. But Kayode Bankole? Hmm. Somebody please help me understand.

Nothing against Bankole. He’s a good goalkeeper—one of the better ones in the league, no doubt. But, respectfully, how does a second-choice keeper get picked over a first-choice keeper who’s outperforming him everywhere that matters?

Let’s check the stats (because numbers don’t lie):

• Ani Ozoemena started twice ahead of Bankole in the CHAN team.
• Ani has played more league matches than Bankole this season.
• Ani has played more continental matches than Bankole this season.
• Ani is first-choice for Enyimba. Bankole is second-choice for his club.

So, what’s the logic? How does your backup goalie get the national team call while the guy starting for his club in the same league gets a front-row seat at home?

Some people like to say Ani looks jittery. Okay, maybe. But what’s undeniable is that the man makes some incredible saves. And last I checked, a goalkeeper’s primary job is to keep the ball out of the net. Everything else is secondary. On that front, Ani Ozoemena is ticking boxes all season long.

But hey, what do I know?

As for the other invitees, I’m not even going to waste energy. The list is the list.

In the end, I wish Eric Chelle all the success in the world. He’s going to need it.

Have a great day.

Enyimba Enyi!