Enyimba goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo is over the moon after being named in Nigeria's squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations starting next month in the Ivory Coast.
The former Sunshine Stars and Akwa United goalkeeper is the only home-based player in Jose Peseiro’s 25-man squad and will be in contention for a starting berth alongside Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabili.
This will be Ojo’s first senior tournament for Nigeria. He had been in and out of Super Eagles selections for friendlies and qualifiers. Also, he is a former youth international, notably being part of the 2015 U20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Senegal which the Flying Eagles won.
Ojo ecstatic about AFCON selection
The 28-year-old, delighted with his inclusion, said his patient finally paid off.
“Like every other player who will be happy to be selected for a tournament, I am happy and excited by this call-up. I have waited patiently for it for some time and I am glad it has finally happened,” Ojo told Afrik-foot.
“There are many good goalkeepers in Nigeria and to be selected to represent my country at full international level is indeed a dream come true,” he added.
Firm belief in Super Eagles
With many fans and pundits writing off the chances of the Super Eagles winning the trophy, Ojo believes that the Super Eagles have all it takes to win the competition.
“My wish and prayer is that by the grace of God, we are going to win it because we have everything to win the AFCON. We have the best players in Africa in the squad and we have the best technical crew,” he enthused.
“All we need to do is remain focused and believe in ourselves and with the support of the Nigeria Football Federation and Nigerians, I believe we can win the AFCON. We have to be determined and believe in ourselves that we can do it.”
Nigeria is in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.
The Super Eagles will start their quest for a fourth African title with a game against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.
