'A good defender' - Omeruo hails Tanimu and reveals time of initiation into Super Eagles set-up 

Veteran center back Kenneth Omeruo has praised newly invited Benjamin Tanimu ahead of the Super Eagles friendly encounter with Ghana on Friday evening.

Tanimu was one of the players invited for the game against the Black Stars and Mali's Eagles that didn't participate at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but he is the only one in camp yet to get a cap under his belt.

The 21-year-old center back used to play for Nigeria Premier Football League side Bendel Insurance before making a move to Tanzania-based club Ihefu SC last month.

Prior to leaving the shores of Nigeria, he was regarded as one of the best defenders in the NPFL and it has come has no surprise to the followers of the league that he has been handed a maiden call-up.

Speaking ahead of the game against Ghana, Omeruo has hailed the former Bendel Insurance defender and is hoping they can have an initiation ceremony for him

"He is actually a good player, a good defender and you know he has been able to join the group. Hopefully, we will have an initiation for him tonight after the dinner."

Omeruo also spoke about how he feels to be back with the team, the rivalry with the Black Stars and what to expect in tomorrow's encounter .

"It has been great. It is good to see the boys again after AFCON. It is good to see Ndidi and other boys that were missing. 

"We have been training and working hard to play this game. You know it is usually not a friendly game against Ghana. We are  ready for the game and ready to win.

"Definitely the jollof derby. We are ready to come out to play. We are working with our new coach for now. I think he has been good as well. We are looking forward to go out there to win

The former Chelsea defender is one of the most senior players in camp and his experience will be needed to get a positive result against Ghana.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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