All Rights Reserved. So before anybody opens his mouth to shred me into pieces, please know that I did my best on this list of Nigerian goalkeepers and that I am open to suggestions on changes and possible additions. Like wine, goalkeepers are said to get better as they grow older so it is a common phenomenon to see shot-stoppers even in their late 30s very much on top on their game. Mustapha returned to Sunshine after the World Cup and later joined Tornadoes FC of Minna in 2016. Overlooked by coach Manu Garba at FIFA U-17 World Cup in UAE, he was third behind Abdulazeez Abubakar and Dele Alampasu. He played for Plateau United, Bendel Insurance, Akwa United and Warri Wolves before he retired from active football in 2015. But today, Dami is not relenting in his desire to prove his critics wrong. Anyway, hope you enjoyed my list! His reflexes attracted European suitors, but he penned a deal with Portuguese side FC Feirense where he failed to tie down regular shirt. Udoh is currently without a club in his battle to revamp his dwindling career. Daniel and another Nigerian defender, Joshua Okotcha, have also … Remembered for his brilliant saves in the finals against Spain, even Manchester United no.1 David de Gea nodded with envy as Ajiboye put up a superlative performance to stop Spain from converting any of its spot-kicks. His near-perfect saves and reflexes drew foreign scouts but he eventually ended up with Israeli top side, Bnei Sackhnin FC.

He currently plies his trade in Cyprus with Omonia Nicosia on loan after a long stint with Deportivo La Coruna. He is currently unattached.

Till date, Russian goalkeeper Lev Yashin remains the only keeper in history to have been awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1963. by Oseg Hale June 16, 2020, 6:56 am 6k Views.

His rise was indeed meteoric. Peter Fregene: one of the finest goalkeepers Nigeria ever had. As one the three goalkeepers for 2001 World Cup, he was selected at the eleventh hour by coach Festus Onigbinde to help steady the ship should Akpan fail to live up to expectations. Felagha has since kept a low profile after a short stint in Belgium and he is currently unattached. This 1.73m tall and soft-spoken keeper is extraordinary in his reflexes handling off crosses and speed off his line. He was eventually dropped by coach Paul Aibogun en-route FIFA U-20 World Cup. Udoh let in five goals in seven games and made crucial saves in Golden Eaglets’ 3-0 win over Brazil in the quarter-final at the Estadio Sausalito, Viña del Mar as Nigeria went on to retain her place as the most successful nation in the tournament history, with five titles and three runners-up. Don’t worry, my list of Nigerian goalkeepers will show you that.

He was on the bench throughout the tournament as Nigeria won silver behind Switzerland.

Ajiboye was signed on briefly by Spanish second-tier side Pontevedra in July 2009 on a free transfer. He has since retired from active football. He came in to replace Segun Oluwaniyi with 10 minutes left to play. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES.

Determined to prosecute the friendly with a goalkeeper, Rohr had to invite Tosin who was playing for a non-league side Peckham United FC. Uzoho grabbed his chance in Nigeria 3-2 win over Argentina in a friendly. And that was very much the case with Bassey Akpan who was treading water until coach Lars Lagerback took over as Super Eagles gaffer months before 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He is back in England where he combines football with education. It was at 2009 FIFA World Cup that the youngster proved his mettle. The question of who the best goalkeeper is does not arise in this article. He currently plays for West Ham United youth side. By navigating our site, you agree to allow us to use cookies, in accordance with our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy. It was said Akpan would have realised his dream of joining the long lists of legends had the Swede arrived earlier. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. For most of the world cup campaign, he was content to understudy first choice Dami Paul who was exceptional throughout the tournament. Dami proved heights may not really matter when it comes to goalkeeping. (Photo by James Griffiths/West Ham United), Our website uses cookies. He was in goal at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup as Nigeria drew 1-1 with Costa Rica, beat Australia 2-1 and lost 1-0 to Argentina. He was an unused substitute at the 2015 World Cup. He was also a member of the Nigerian national team from 2002 until October 2015, serving as its captain from 2013 until his retirement from international football. From Manuel Neuer to Giggi Buffon, the list is endless even for the likes of Oliver Khan, Ike Casillas and Petr Cech who have all retired, they were all big hits in their 30s. For now, he is proud to be with Nigeria Professional Football League side Jigawa Stars FC as their no.1 goalkeeper. He is a product of one of Lagos best football academy, Nath Boys FC. With just a cap under Gernot Rohr, Alampasu’s recent move to Latvia may have ended his chances of staging a dramatic comeback to Super Eagles with German-born gaffer bent on giving attention to only players who ply their trades in top European leagues. His only appearance was a group opening match against France, which Nigeria won 2-1. This is a clear indication of how goalkeepers' contributions are less appreciated in football.

But he was on the bench throughout the competition as Akpan steered Nigeria’s ship through the storm. When the defenders lining up in front of a goalkeeper are not up to scratch, and recklessly expose the goalkeeper, then even the most endowed goalie would become a mere rookie in front of the opposing striker. It’s only when it’s time for penalty shootout that you see the whole stadium depending on a goalkeeper’s save – ah, and so he becomes important! Who is the greatest Nigerian goalkeeper of all time.

He wept like a toddler as his lack of height failed him in the finals against Switzerland. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Dami Paul looked a natural goalkeeper from the word go. His career was like the life of a phoneix that keep rejuvenating and resurfacing to life again. He made it to the top chiefly because he is not a showman. Francis Odinaka Uzoho (born 28 October 1998), known simply as Francis in Spain, is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for APOEL as a goalkeeper. Ike Shorunmu represented Nigeria during a period where they enjoyed a lot of success. But who are these ‘so forth’?

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