'I've to focus on Mexico game' - Tottenham GK vows to be at his best if handed Nigeria debut

Published: July 03, 2021

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi has promised to rise to the occasion if handed his senior international debut by Super Eagles coach for the friendly against Mexico, Paul Aigbogun.

Having trained with the likes of Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, Son Heung-min and Toby Alderweireld, the former England U15 international will not look out of place in the Super Eagles squad currently in the United States.

A year ago, Oluwayemi revealed that he was open to representing the Nigeria national teams, adding that former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu held informal talks with his dad Abiodun Ogunyemi, who was a goalkeeper for Ogun State University during his playing days.

Oluwayemi has spoken of his pride at being called into the Nigeria squad for the first time in his career and hoping it is one of many call-ups.

Speaking to the Super Eagles Media Team hours before kick-off vs Mexico, Oluwayemi said : "It was a long trip but I'm happy to be here, the guys were welcoming and I'm looking forward to the game against Mexico.

"Back in London, it's a proud moment for my family representing my nation, such a strong Nigerian background I have in London. My whole community around me was proud of me."

On what he hopes to achieve with the Super Eagles, the 20-year-old said : "Firstly I have to focus on the Mexico game, being ready, making sure I'm at my best and I can give my best performance.

"Long term, I just plan to make sure I keep coming back to these call-ups and cement myself in this team".

The last English-born goalkeeper to feature for the Super Eagles was former Wolverhampton Wanderers glovesman Carl Ikeme.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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