'My transfer was unbelievable' - Tanimu speaks on deadline day move to Crawley Town, replacing Osayi-Samuel  

Benjamin Tanimu has spoken about his deadline day move to Crawley Town and replacing Bright Osayi-Samuel in the Super Eagles’ squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The versatile defender joined League One newcomers Crawley Town just before the closure of the transfer window last Friday to boost the defensive options of the club.

The Red Devils lost the services of centre-backs Will Wright and Harry Ransom, both of whom played a key role in their promotion, to Swindon Town and Sutton United respectively this summer.

As a result, they needed to make up for the loss of the two central defenders, which informed the signing of Tanimu, who has penned a two-year deal with the English side. 

Having started his career in Nigeria before moving to Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars in February, this would be Tanimu's first experience with a European club.

Sneaking to 54footballx, the 22-year-old expressed his delight to join Crawley, a move he feels will help in the growth of his career.

“My transfer to the new club, I would say it was an unbelievable one because it happened on the day of the deadline and I was very happy and excited to get such an offer which I know is going to be a big boost in my life and in my career.”

The former Bendel Insurance star also spoke about replacing Bright Osayi-Samuel in the squad for the forthcoming qualifiers, revealing his unpreparedness before being handed an invite

“Getting the invite to replace Osayi in the camp, I was excited also because I didn't even plan to come to the camp. I was very happy and I will give my best in any little way the coach want me to give, I am okay.”

Osayi-Samuel was initially included in the initial roster for the forthcoming games but had to be dropped for Tanimu due to his fitness.

Tanimu made his debut for Nigeria in March during an international friendly with arch-rivals Ghana and also featured in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification games against Benin and South Africa.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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