The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Aiyenugba

  • 2018 WORLD CUP: Aiyenugba won’t rule out Eagles return

    Former Enyimba FC goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba has admitted that he is still open to a possible call-up to the Super Eagles as they continue the search for a regular number one goalkeeper before the World Cup.

    The Hapoel Ashkelon shot-stopper told AOIFootball.com that he has always remained open to the national team call-up despite being unceremoniously ousted in 2011 after Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Guinea in Abuja, a result that meant Nigeria missed out on the 2012 AFCON.

    “Playing for Nigeria has always been my dream. Every time I was called upon I always gave my best and that is something I want to continue doing if given the opportunity. The events of 2011 have passed and I’m sure I can be of help if called upon.

    I believe the coach knows what he wants in a goalkeeper. If he feels I should return and offer my experience, I will gladly do so because I want to see Nigeria do well at the World Cup in Russia. Seven years is a long time but anything can still happen,” Aiyenugba concluded.

    Aiyenugba is a two-time African champion with Enyimba and was a very reliable deputy to the former captain of the Super Eagles’ Vincent Enyeama at both club and national level. He was however shown the exit door when Nigeria failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012.

  • Aiyenugba condoles Enyeama over mum’s death

    Former Super Eagles and current Bnei Yehuda goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba has joined other football loving Nigerians in condoling with the family of Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama over the sudden demise of his mother.

    Ayenugba, who was Enyeama’s team-mate then in Enyimba Int’l and Super Eagles days, described the mother’s death as shocking and wished the family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

    “My sincere condolence goes to my good friend Vincent Enyeama over the bereavement of his mum. I urge him to take heart and continually pray for her gentle soul to rest in peace,” said the Israeli based keeper.

    “As humane I know it is painful to accept but death is inevitable and God knows the appointed time of each of us.

    “Though, losing a mother is disheartening and devastating but I pray that God Almighty will uphold the families she left behind and give them comfort”, he said.

  • Aiyenugba delighted to extend Bnei Yehuda contract

    Aiyenugba delighted to extend Bnei Yehuda contract

    Nigeria goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba has told AfricanFootball.com he is thrilled he has extended his contract with Israeli club Bnei Yehuda.

    The ex-Enyimba goalkeeper has signed a new two-year deal that will keep him at the club till 2017.

    “I am happy they offered me a new contract, which means they appreciate me,” Nigeria international Aiyenugba told AfricanFootball.com.

    “I decided to agree to sign the new deal with my club because the atmosphere is great for me. The fans and mostly the officials are loving and caring people, they supported me through the hard times and good times. I give God the glory that they offered me a contract.”

  • Eagles must fight to finish in Sudan, urges Aiyenugba

    Eagles must fight to finish in Sudan, urges Aiyenugba

    Dele Aiyenugba has said the Super Eagles have all it takes to beat Sudan when they clash on Saturday, but they must be ready to fight.

    However, the former Enyimba goalkeeper said the players must be at their best and approach the game with all seriousness.

    “I see Eagles winning both games against Sudan. We have the quality to beat them,” he said.

    “But the players who will be called to duty  must be ready to fight to finish because any team playing the Super Eagles will bring 150% to the pitch, so we need to approach the game with everything.”

    The Bnei Yehuda shot stopper has 17 caps for Nigeria since his debut in 2005.

  • Aiyenugba eyes Eagles return

    Aiyenugba eyes Eagles return

    Nigeria goalkeeper, , says he is eyeing a return to the Super Eagles after being shut-out of the national team set up for almost three years.

    30-year old Aiyenugba last played for the Super Eagles in September of 2011 in a 2-2 home draw against Guinea in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, which ultimately ended Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2012 Africa cup of nations hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

    But after being out for such a long time, Aiyenugba says he’s ready to stage a comeback.

    He said: “I’m ready to return to the national team, and I’ll be open to an invitation.

    “I haven’t retired from international football so I’m open to a return if the coaches see me fit. It is always a pleasure to play for your country and it is no different with me, so I’m looking forward to it.”

    Aiyenugba, who currently plays for Bnei Yehuda in the Israeli Leumit league, was largely criticised by fans for Nigeria’s failure to qualify for that edition of the African Cup, after the Guineans scored a late equalizer.

    But the former Enyimba shot-stopper says he has moved on from that incident, and will be available for selection.

    “I am available, I have never been unavailable despite what happened. Maybe the coaches felt it wasn’t time, I don’t know. I know there could be changes before the qualifiers for the next AFCON, and whatever the case is, I will be ready,” Aiyenugba added.

  • Aiyenugba rues World Cup snub

    Aiyenugba rues World Cup snub

    Bnei Yehuda’s goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba , has said he deserves a place in Nigeria’s World Cup squad but insists he holds no grudges over his exclusion from the team, KickOffNigeria.com reports.

    The Nigeria international goalkeeper reiterated his desire to stay relevant within the national set-up, but added that he remains bound by the decision of Stephen Keshi.

    “When you desire something and you don’t get it, you continue to work to get it. I deserve a place in the (provisional) list, but since the coach excludes me, I have to respect his decision.

    “I love my country and I will jump at a chance to come back again, the joy of a player is to play for his country,” Aiyenugba said.

    The former Enyimba man endorsed the 30-man provisional list released by Keshi, reasserting his belief that the Super Eagles will go beyond the first round of FIFA’s flagship event.

  • Aiyenugba faces suspension for obscene gesture

    Aiyenugba faces suspension for obscene gesture

    Nigeria international Dele Aiyenugba was caught on camera making an obscene gesture to rival supporters just before Bnei Yehuda played against Hapoel Tel Aviv on Tuesday at the Bloomfield Stadium.

    Bnei Yehuda risk losing Aiyenugba for up to two games if the Israeli Federation takes disciplinary action against him based on video evidence. And that would be a big blow to Bnei Yehuda who play the top two teams in the championship – Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa – in their next two matches.

    It should be noted that both the referee and match observer did not include the incident in the match report. This season, Dele Aiyenugba has played 27 games for Bnei Yehuda in the Israeli championship.

    Aiyenugba has not been at his best in recent games and was heavily criticized for the 1 – 2 loss suffered to Hapoel Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

  • No AFCON nightmare for Aiyenugba

    Israeli based shot stopper Dele Aiyenugba has stated that he will not be in anyway disappointed if he finally misses out on the party to South Africa 2013.

    The Cat as Aiyenugba is fondly referred to by his fans confirmed to a Lagos based radio station on Friday that he was yet to receive any invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation but remains ready to serve his country if he is still considered by the national team handlers.

    “I will not be disappointed if finally I am not invited, Aiyenugba began.

    “I have always said that the Coaches have the final say on who they want, whether I am called or not I will continue to wish the team well and pray for their success,” the former Enyimba goalkeeper added.

    In the run for a space in between the sticks for Nigeria at the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations are the likes of Vicent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim amongst others.