Bnei Yehuda of Israel goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba has played down talks that he is under pressure to fill in for axed Nigerian number one, Vincent Enyeama ahead of today’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying against Guinea.
According to Supersport.co, ?Aiyenugba, who started two previous consecutive games for the Super Eagles against Madagascar and Argentina in the absence of Enyeama, is confident going into the game against Guinea’s Syli Nationale.
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“I am not under pressure at all,” began Aiyenugba.
“If I get the chance to keep against Guinea, I will do my best for my fatherland, my fans and my family. I am very, very prepared to give my best in this game to make sure that we qualify for the Nations Cup next year.”
Though the former Enyimba shot-stopper recognises the invaluable experience of Enyeama to the Nigerian men’s senior national team, Aiyenugba believes he now has the chance to warm his way into the hearts of his countrymen.
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“Vincent is a very good and experienced goalkeeper. He is also a very good person. I have learnt a lot of things from him over the years from our days at Enyimba and in the national team. I have kept in the last two games in his absence, and I am willing to give my best again for this game if I am picked by the coaches to start.
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“I will give my best so that we can qualify for the Nations Cup so that our fans will be very happy,” he said.?The former Kwara United keeper is optimistic that Nigeria will edge out Guinea for the Group B ticket of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
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The Nigerians will qualify for next year’s championship if they defeat Guinea by at least two goals or a 1 – 0 scoreline.
Meanwhile, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has appealed to ball fans to support the Super Eagles for the entire duration of today’s 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.
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“We appeal specially to our fans to come to the stadium with the belief that the Super Eagles will win, and therefore support them from the first blast of the whistle to the last.
“It is important that we keep up the support all through the game and not waiver no matter what. The players themselves are determined to conquer and they also want to appear at the African Cup of Nations.?
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“Some of them have played at the Cup of Nations while some have not. Those who have played at the Cup of Nations want to go and win it this time, and those who have not want to be there at the summit of African football. So, all the players are highly motivated.
“If we keep up the support for the entire duration of the game, their spirit will remain high and they will approach the match with positive mentality”, said Maigari. ?
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