On a day when Nigeria needed her strong hands on deck, Super Eagles former first choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was dispirited by the loss of his mother and could not come to the aid of the nation.
Nigeria needed a savior, a hero to help us through an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier fix against Tanzania on 5th September 2015. Just when it seemed like Nigeria was in for a long ride with the Taifa Stars, Carl Ikeme was right there to step in and be the man his home country earnestly sought.
Ikeme made his debut for Nigeria and finished the game with a clean sheet, giving Nigeria a much needed 1-point at the time.
First Call
A month before the AFCON qualifier clash, Ikeme was told of his first cal l-up to join the team, however the goalkeeper thought it all to be a joke and suspected his relatives of prank calling him.
“I thought someone was winding me up to start with.I spoke to the coach and it started to make more sense and I realised it was none of my cousins winding me up or anything like that.”
— Ikeme
After the game, Ikeme told newsmen that it was not too easy to step into the shoes of Enyeama, Nigeria’s first choice goalkeeper for 12 years.
“Playing in your first game for a team like Nigeria is not easy because there are many expectations that include filling the big shoes left by Vincent Enyeama, who has been amazing for us. I am glad I kept a clean sheet and wish to take time out to thank my team-mates who have been amazing and welcomed me from the moment I arrived… All I can say is it was indeed a great feeling putting on that jersey for Nigeria and a dream come true for me.”
— Ikeme
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