'With the big boys' - Bendel Insurance old boy Tanimu excited after first cap for Super Eagles
Published: March 23, 2024Former Bendel Insurance central defender Benjamin Tanimu was excited to make his debut for the Super Eagles in their 2-1 win over fierce rivals Ghana in an international friendly staged at Stade de Marrakech on Friday evening.
Tanimu's inclusion in the starting lineup against the Black Stars came as a surprise, just as was the case when he was summoned to the national team for the March internationals.
Nigeria's interim boss George Finidi had no choice but to name the 21-year-old in the starting lineup, with 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star Calvin Bassey and experienced centre-back Kenneth Omeruo unavailable for selection after picking up knocks.
Finidi knows all about the qualities of Tanimu as he attempted to bring him to Enyimba without success before the young defender joined Ihefu Sports Club last month.
Sporting the number 5 on his jersey, the Ihefu Sports Club star successfully held his own against Premier League stars Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo until the 79th minute.
Unfortunately, he was forced to leave the field due to injury, making way for Ademola Lookman.
Reacting to his debut, Tanimu said to Victor Modo: "I'm very excited, being my first appearance and first cap for Nigeria and I give thanks to God for making my dream come true.
"I cannot imagine myself being here and with the big boys so I'm very, very happy. Thanks to God."
It remains to be seen whether Tanimu will be fit enough to make his second appearance for the Super Eagles in Tuesday's friendly against Mali.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Super Eagles watch: Onuachu 18-minute hat-trick inspires comeback; Osimhen spot on; Lookman on fire
- 'I want more than this' - Dessers refusing to rest on his laurels after netting 20th goal for Rangers
- Don Hutchison believes Liverpool should consider signing Osimhen and two other Serie A players
- Former Aston Villa man urges Liverpool to use Nunez in swap deal to sign Osimhen or Victor Boniface
- 'One of Dessers' biggest goals' - Ex-Burnley star reacts to Rangers striker's match-winning goal
- Arsenal fail in attempt to equal PL record Obi Mikel helped Chelsea set in 2008-2009
- 'He had the fullback on toast' - Ex- England manager waxes lyrical about Chelsea winger Madueke
- AS Roma coach banking on 2023 AFCON winner to frustrate 'one of the best strikers around' Osimhen
- 'I liked Pulisic' - AC Milan coach insists he won't tweak his formation to accommodate Chukwueze
- 24 goals in last 7 matches: Arsenal legend Wilshere hails Obi-Martin for extraordinary form
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football