Noah Atubolu’s main career goals do not involve the Super Eagles.
The 23-year-old, who has grown into one of the finest goalkeepers in the Bundesliga with Freiburg, has been the subject of admiration from Nigeria fans, with many keen to see him pull on the green and white.
Atubolu, however, has put paid to any such speculation, while stating his ambition is to make history with the German national team.
Florian Wirtz Misses!!! 😱
— SportyTV (@SportyTV_) December 21, 2024
The Bayer Leverkusen captain missed the penalty shoot. Great save by Atubolu.#Leverkusen #Freiburg #Bundesliga #SportyTV pic.twitter.com/4oM9pQ6vUD
No to Super Eagles, yes to being Germany’s first black goalie
Speaking to BILD, the Germany youth international has taken aim at the no.1 spot for Germany. With long-term goalkeeper Manuel Neuer nearing the end of his career, Atubolu believes there is no outright successor, and so has thrown his hat into the ring.
“Becoming the first dark-skinned goalkeeper would be something special, that has never happened before.
“I would say that I have a good time right now because Manuel Neuer is no longer here and Marc-André ter Stegen probably won't play in the national team for much longer. At that time it was the case that Neuer was the best in the world and after that nothing came of it. Now that has changed, because you no longer have this one best goalkeeper, but several who are in the draw.”
Currently playing for Germany at the U-21 European Championship, it now appears Atubolu has conclusively shut the door on the Super Eagles.
