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Tag: Dele Alampasu

  • DELE ALAMPASU: My prayers and focus for 2019

    After missing out of the Super Eagles’ squad to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, goalkeeper Dele Alampasu is charting a new course for himself and a departure away from Cesarense in the Campeonato de Portugal is certainly on the offing, reports MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.

    He sorely missed out of the Super Eagles’ squad to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 but former junior international goalkeeper Dele Alampasu is looking forward to 2019 with renewed optimism.

    Regarded as one for the future after he guided the goalposts for the victorious Golden Eaglets at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE, the 21-year-old Alampasu has since struggled with his fledging career at Portuguese Primeira Liga side, Clube Desportivo Feirense, before he was farmed out on loan to Cesarense in the Campeonato de Portugal- the third tier of Portuguese football.

    “This is my last season here (at Cesarense) and my prayer for next year (2019) is for God to help me move forward in my career,” the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup’s golden glove award winner offers in an interview with The Nation on the eve of his birthday on 24th December 2018. “By the grace of God, this will be my last season here and I keep praying to God for big breakthrough in my career.

    “ I’ll keep working and hoping for God to give me a good place to go so that I can continue with my career from there.

    “Having challenges is part of life and the good thing is that I’m coping well with what I’m facing here. After all, driving on a smooth road only doesn’t make anybody a good driver; sometimes you have to ride through the bumps too.

    “This is not the time to give up; I’m ready to fight and succeed in my chosen career as a professional footballer.”

    After his heroics with the Golden Eaglets in 2013, Alampasu has also featured for the national Under-20 side (Flying Eagles) and was part of the squad that reached the second round at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. He has earned only one  international cap with the Super Eagles but surmised it wasn’t for lack of efforts but that he had been stalled since coming on as a second half substitute for Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the 3-0 thrashing of Togo in 2017.

    “I still feel good about what I achieved at youth level especially when I remember how I was named the best goalkeeper at the U-17 World Cup and it is an added motivation for me to do better,” says Alampasu who featured for Abuja College of Football before travelling abroad. “That things are not going the way I planned doesn’t mean I should give up; that I’m not going somewhere.

    “I’m in constant touch with Coach Gernot Rohr and he wants me to be playing regularly for my club. Unfortunately, I still have other senior goalkeepers ahead of me in the club and it’s therefore as easy as that. I’m still learning and waiting for my time.

    “Maybe If I go on loan to another club, I would be able to play regularly. The coach (Rohr) wants me to be playing and I hope everything will be better very soon.”

    Surely, Alampasu is not the one to brood over setbacks; rather, he said he was pulling his socks in order to fulfil his huge potentialities.

    Hear him: “It was my dream to be at the Russia 2018 World Cup after being part of the qualification process but I believe there are still many World Cup for me to look up to. I don’t have what the coach wants at the moment; I’ll keep working to ensure things get better for me.

    “I’ve learnt a lot since I came to Portugal; this is my fourth year since I moved over to Europe. It would be bad if I’d not learnt anything and it would mean I’m not enjoying what I’m doing. I enjoy what I’m doing and I’m really grateful for what I have been able to do so far. I just have to remain focussed and with the experience I have gathered here, I can get better and move forward in my career.”

    Alampasu’s present situation notwithstanding, experienced goalkeepers’ trainer Emeka Amadi believes he can overcome his present challenges by taking the bull by the horns, adding that his experience in Europe would on the long run bolster his confidence to feature for the Super Eagles.

    “I have no doubt in my mind that Alampasu is a very good goalkeeper, after all I picked and trained him in the national Under-17 team and it’s always a thing of pride that he was adjudged the best goalkeeper when we won the World Cup in 2013,” says Germany-trained Amadi who is currently working with Emmanuel Amuneke in Tanzania. “But it’s about time he set new objectives for himself especially if he’s not been playing regularly at his present club.

    “Football is a practical thing and the more he has the opportunity of keeping the better he can be and he should be looking for a club that he would be much needed than going on loan to another club.

    “He is still young and all these experiences would help him. He has a bright future ahead of him but he has to set bigger objectives for himself and I believe he will get his break with the Super Eagles if he gets good playing time at club level.”

    But Alampasu holds no fear about his future except injuries which is the bane of any athlete. “The major fear for any footballer is getting a serious injury that could stop one’s career and I have such fear too. While we think about all the good and positives side of the game, we must also think about the bad times too.

    “But I leave that to God to take care of my career. It’s my prayers to be going one step after another and not to have any major injury that can take me off the game.

    “You can’t rule out knocks here and there but it’s my daily prayers to God to keep me away from injury that could end my career.”

    Meanwhile, Alampasu has spoken further about his life even beyond the goalposts in this interesting conversation. Excerpts.

    On qualities of a good goalkeeper

    It’s simple and I think one of the things that make a good goalkeeper is for you to be reliable and you must have confidence in order to assist your teammates.  It’s not about creating an impression. Being the best goalkeeper at the FIFA U-17 World Cup is quite different from what I have to face here in Europe. Some people in Nigeria think it’s easy but the truth is that most clubs already have goalkeepers who have grown through their youth levels. Some of these goalkeepers have gathered so much experience unlike what we have in Nigeria or Africa whereby you see a lot of young goalkeepers in the league. Here you have to still learn and wait for your opportunity. I have been given opportunities which I think I’ve used well. But they still tell me I have to learn more. It’s a long process to get to the top and that is why you don’t get to see many African goalkeepers in Europe.  They usually turn them back once they see that they lack the basics. So, I’m biding my time and learning as much as I can and I know there would be no looking back if I get the chance.

    On his choice of automobiles

    Jesus Christ! I don’t have money for big cars. I drive only Peugeot. I’m not here to do any competition with anybody. I’m fine once I see anything (car) that can take me to and back from training. Everything has its time and now is the time for me to wisely invest in my future so that I can have something to fall back on when my career is over. Of course I can afford to buy a car of five million naira but what value would that add to my career now? It would be a big shame if one becomes a beggar at the end of one’s career. Having a big car is not an investment to me because its value would depreciate with time. Unlike car, I would rather invest in landed properties because I know it would appreciate in later years.  I have projects I’m working on and once I’m done, I can think of buying something bigger to drive but I’m not ready. Everything in life is about time. Once I’m done with what I’m doing, I would like to have a Mercedes Benz

    On his progress since arrival in  Portugal

    I’ve learnt a lot since I came to Portugal; this is my fourth year since I moved over to Europe. It would be bad if I’d not learnt anything and it would mean I’m not enjoying what I’m doing. I enjoy what I’m doing and I’m really grateful for what I have been able to do so far. I just have to remain focussed and with what I have gathered here, I can get better and move forward in my career.

    I have no idea about what can really make me sad and, secondly, I have no reason to make myself sad. I’m a happy child and I don’t think too much about the negative aspect of life. I have to be positive and know that everything will be okay and fine with me. Thinking and worrying will only bring me down; I only have to think about moving things forward. Of course, there would also be difficult moments in life that can make someone sad but I try as much as possible to overcome such things.

    On goals and aspirations

    I have goals but I think its process by process and I believe God will help me to become what I want to become in the future. Although it is not easy, as a professional I just have to face the challenges and cope with the difficulty, which is part of life.

    On fashion

    Of course, you know me too well that I’m not the kind of person that is crazy about fashion. I don’t worry myself about what to wear or what type of shoes to put on. I have more interesting things to do and work on than being crazy about fashion. I’m working on my own house and other stuffs; and I’m also thinking about taking care of my family too.  I just wear anything that makes me look good, but there’s no point doing big boy around based on what you wear. I don’t waste money on clothes.

    On marriage

    Everybody has their own plans and when the time comes, I’m going to do my marriage. I already have someone I’m dating; we’ve been together for about four years now. Everything is cool between us and we already have a daughter. By the grace of God, we are going to be together for life and when we are ready, we are going to do the marriage.

  • Eagles play passionately- Pinnick

    Eagles play passionately- Pinnick

    Amaju Pinnick, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has charged the Super Eagles to approach the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Lions of Cameroon in Uyo with a never-say-die mentality.

    The match comes up on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

    Pinnick, in a statement released by Demola Olajire, Head of Communication, NFF, on Thursday, urged the team to commit heart, soul and spirit to the match.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles are topping Group B with six points, from two matches.

    Nigeria is four points ahead of second-placed Cameroon, who have also played two matches.

    Pinnick said: “The much-respected Nigerian spirit that conquers so many adversities will see the three-time African champions through.

    “ But the Eagles must approach the game with a never-say-die mentality at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

    “This is a very crucial match and the players know so.

    “The Cameroonians are not coming here to simply appraise the serenity and beauty of the city of Uyo; they are coming to contest the three points.

    “The Super Eagles must throw everything – their body, heart and spirit – into the game.

    “Those three points are very important to our FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, and I am confident we will get them,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has announced former junior international Ikechukwu Ezenwa and two other former junior international goalkeepers, Dele Ajiboye and Dele Alampasu, as part of the team.

    Mikel John Obi, Victor Moses, Oghenekaro Etebo and John Ogu, Odion Ighalo, Anthony Nwakaeme and Aaron Samuel are in Uyo ready for the match.

    Germany-based Leon Balogun, who missed the clash with South Africa is back and is likely to pair Olympic bronze medallist, William Ekong, in central defence.

    Another Olympic bronze medallist, Abdullahi Shehu, as well as Elderson Echiejile, Tyronne Ebuehi, Uche Agbo and Chidozie Awaziem also available to fortify the defence.

    England-based Wilfred Ndidi and Turkey-based duo of Ogenyi Onazi and Mikel Agu are also available in the midfield, while Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho, are attackers in the team.

    Olajire said that Friday’s match would kick off at 5p.m.

    The return leg is scheduled to hold on Sept. 4, at Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde, Cameroun.

  • Dele Alampasu: Dream Team can beat Brazil

    Dele Alampasu: Dream Team can beat Brazil

    CD Feirense netminder, Dele Alampasu did not mince his words when asked about the possibility of the Nigeria U-23s beating their Brazilian counterparts on their home soil when both teams face off in an international friendly on March 24.

    At this very moment, Alampasu’s Portuguese club have the final word whether or not the teenager would be allowed to make the journey to Espirito Santo as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not officially contacted his European team about his invitation.

    On top of that, it is thought that some European clubs may not release the international players in their ranks as a result of the Zika virus outbreak, with the South Korean, English and Dutch FAs declining an invitation from the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol for a friendly.

    “In football now anything can happen, so we can go there with God favour’s and win the game. I worked with the interim coach of the U-23s, Fatai Amao, few weeks before the U-20 World Cup. I think everything is in control by God’s grace, ” Dele Alampasu told allnigeriasoccer.com.

    Alampasu has made CD Feirense’s 18-man squad for Segunda Liga matches seven times this season, and kept two clean sheets in the League Cup in his first games as a professional.

  • Alampasu joins Portuguese side Estoril

    Alampasu joins Portuguese side Estoril

    Flying Eagles goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu, has finally moved overseas after superlative showings for his country’s youth teams.

    Alampasu signed for Portuguese top flight outfit Estoril Praia on Monday, sl10.ng reports.

    The goalkeeper, who turned 18 in December, was excellent when Nigeria won its fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup two years ago in United Arab Emirates, pulling off several saves in the tournament.

    He was voted the best goalkeeper of the tournament, winning the Golden Glove.

    He has thus joined several of his team-mates from that schoolboy team – Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, Musa Yahaya, Chidera Ezeh, Chidiebere Nwakali, Taiwo Awoniyi and Aliyu Abubakar – who have moved to Europe.

  • ALAMPASU- My encounters with the President

    ALAMPASU- My encounters with the President

    Four-time African Footballer of the Year, Samuel Eto’o, first regaled this writer about the joy of meeting the rich and powerful on account of winning soccer laurels.

    Eto’o was that starry-eyed boy on the Real Madrid’s squad that won the 199 UEFA’s Champions League and in tow with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, and Raul Gonzalez, amongst others, he had a career-changing moment with Spain’s King Juan Carlos.

    “I was with the main team (of Real Madrid) when they presented the European Champions League they won last season to King Juan Carlos of Spain and that was my happiest moment (because it serves as a motivation to win more trophies),” Eto’o said in an interview following his record appearance at the France’98 World Cup as the youngest player of the tournament.

    Sixteen years on, Dele Alampasu, Nigeria’s Under-17 2013 FIFA World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has echoed similar sentiments like that of Eto’o following a rare audience with President Goodluck twice in a space of three months as he was a guest at the hallowed Aso Rock’s seat of the Nigerian government.

    “In less than three months, I have been lucky to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan on two occasions and all has to do with football,” declared Alampasu who won the Best Goalkeeper Award at the 2013 UAE Under-17 World Cup.

    “I was at the Aso Rock with the Golden Eaglets after we won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in November but it was the last time I was there with the Super Eagles after we came third at the CHAN Championship in South Africa that I really had the opportunity to converse with President Jonathan.

    “I was the second to the last on the queue, but before I got to the president, the MC had started shouting: ‘ Mr. President, this is the second time you are meeting this boy, Dele Alampasu.’ That really gave me the chance to talk with the president when I eventually met him for a handshake.

    “What I told him? It wasn’t much, but I told him that ‘I will still come to Aso Rock many times’ because I believe this is just the beginning of my career. He replied that he would be there waiting for me.

    “It would be nice to win trophies again with the national teams and that would be a good opportunity to be at the Aso Rock again,” added Alampasu who was a member of the Super Eagles Bronze-winning team at the last CHAN Championship in South Africa.

    For those familiar with the Alampasu story, his is a classic rag-to-riches stuff because he was lifted from ‘ground zero. ‘He was overlooked initially by the Golden Eaglets’ selectors when he participated in the team’s screening exercise but was called up following the ineligibility of others through the Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) test after the CAN Under-17 Championship in Morocco. But on account of his stellar performance between the sticks for the record-setting four titlists Golden Eaglets, Alampasu is now rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers of the society.

    “I’m happy because football has given me so much in a short time,” he said, amidst his famed kind-hearted laughter.” Here was I shaking hands with the FIFA’s President. And other big people when we won the Under-17 World Cup in Abu Dhabi.

    “I met President Jonathan too and not forgetting the handshake from Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State; these are what give me the motivation to do more and I’m ready for the task ahead,” noted Alampasu as he once again takes The Nation’s Sport & Style through recent developments in his fledging career. Excerpts….

    From Golden Eaglets to home-based Super Eagles

    I was lucky to get into the Super Eagles’ Bolton White Apartment Camp in the company of my Golden Eaglets’ teammate, Taiwo Awoniyi. That sort of boosted my morale and one of the first officials we met was Coach Daniel Amokachi. He told us that we had to behave like men in order to be able to make the team for the CHAN Championship since we were no longer in the Golden Eaglets. His advice and that of several others really helped us in settling down into the camp. We were welcome into the camp very well.

    Between Amadi and Shorunmu

    Going through the hands of the Golden Eaglets’ and Super Eagles’ goalkeepers’ coaches, Coach Emeka Amadi and Ike Shorunmu, has really helped me. With Amadi, I was taught the basics, which gave me a good background about what I met on ground at the Super Eagles. The training in the Super Eagles is tougher than that of the Golden Eaglets and it took me up to about one week before I was able to adjust. In training, I learned so much from my senior team-mates like Dan Akpeyi and Chigozie Agbim. In fact, Agbim was the number one choice because he was so hot in training but only God knew what happened to him at the CHAN Championship. Still, I learned so much from him. As one would expect, I gained so much from the goalkeepers in the Super Eagles because they have better experience and exposure than me. It was a great opportunity for me and I really paid attention to the coaches as well as the senior players. It is my desire to be in goal for the Super Eagles one day but I know it is not that easy. I’m ready to work hard for it and wait for my time. There are still many stages left for me; I hope to still play for both the Flying Eagles and the Olympic Under-23 teams. It’s a long process but with God on my side, everything is possible.

    Focus on professional career

    I’m not worried about the fact that several of my team-mates have secured contracts with clubs abroad. I wish them the best with their clubs and I’m hopeful that one day and very soon, I would be able to move to Belgium too. Already, arrangements are being finalised for a move to Genk and hopefully I will be able to join them soon. It is great news, hearing about the movements of several of my teammates to clubs in Europe and this is a challenge for me too, but I’m leaving everything in the hands of God. I’m expected to sign a pre-contract agreement and later I will be given a formal contract when I’m 18 years old.

    Coach Stephen Keshi as a father-figure

    Of course, Coach Stephen Keshi is like a father to me and, in fact, to all the players because he’s a man full of wisdom who was always advising us.

    Making money

    I always remember where I was coming from and that is why I have been able to use the little money I have made wisely. I helped my dad with his house and I’ve also done one or two things for myself. He’s never tired of giving us words of encouragement. He’s fond of telling us that; ‘if you carry yourself from down to the middle of your body, I’ll help you carry you to the top.’ He has the interest of everybody at heart and just imagine the opportunity he has given to me to be part of the Super Eagles to the CHAN Championship.

    My CHAN experience

    Going to the CHAN Championship was a great opportunity for me to learn. I was not disappointed that I did not keep in any of the matches because it was not yet my time. I’ve given myself a target of at least two years and I know this will involve a lot of handwork in order for me to play for the senior team.

    My life and football

    Football has given me so much joy and I don’t think my life would be complete without football. It is through football that I have been able to assist my family; it has also put food on my table, as such I can’t do without football. I still have plans for my education, but for now, I can’t do without football. I love swimming too but that is just to relax my body. What can make me cry? I would cry like a baby if anybody stops me from playing football. I didn’t come from a rich home but football has given me a lot of opportunities. I was a nobody this time last year but God has been good to me through football; and I’m so happy about it. I’m happy because my dad is now respected in his community due to my exploits with the Golden Eaglets. This has nothing to do with my power but the grace of God; I’m so, so happy about this great changes in the life of my family. I’m the only boy in the family and I have three sisters, so the challenge is for me to lift the name of the family. What could I have achieved without football? My dream now is to get a club so that I can concentrate on my career

  • Alampasu set to seal Juventus deal

    Alampasu set to seal Juventus deal

    Super Eagles goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu is set to seal a deal with Italian giants, Juventus.

    The Serie A table toppers have been targeting the Nigerian and are set to sign him on.

    Alampasu emerged the best goalkeeper at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, winning the golden gloves.

    The feat ensured Stephen Keshi extended invitation to the player who made the final squad to the African Nations Championship currently holding in South Africa.

  • Shehu issues Eagles battle cry

    Shehu issues Eagles battle cry

    •Alampasu compares team to UAE Eaglets

    Emerging Super Eagles midfield star, Abdulahi Shehu, says the best is yet to be seen of the team as the African Nations Championship progresses, declaring that the team will be better in the knock out stages of the competitions.

    Team’s Media Officer Ben Alaiya quotes the Kano Pillars middleman as saying thus: “tell them they have not seen anything yet, we are here for nothing but the trophy and we have shown that with our game against South Africa, but I must say that is not our best match, the games ahead will show our true quality”.

    Shehu, who has been described by his injured team mates duo of Benjamin Francis and Ikenna Paul as the heart of the CHAN Eagles, said he was prepared to justify the huge confidence reposed in him by his teammates and the technical crew in the coming games and was sure to do the nation proud at the end of the tournament.

    On his part teenage goalie, Dele Alampasu, said the loss against Mali jolted the Eagles to reality and there will be no mistakes until the cup is won. “The same thing happened to us at the U17 level when we all thought Sweden was a walk-over but when they showed us in our first game, it became a lesson and we did not take our legs off the pedal again until we won the championship in the United Arab Emirates, it’s about to happen here again”, he said.

  • Why Alampasu din’t make FIFA Awards

    Why Alampasu din’t make FIFA Awards

    Goalkeeper Dele Alampasu was not released by Nigeria for Monday’s FIFA Awards in Switzerland, because of national assignment, officials have said.

    Alampasu, along with his Nigeria Under 17 teammate Kelechi Iheanacho, was specially invited for the awards ceremony.

    But Alampasu, who was named by FIFA as the best goalkeeper at last year’s U-17 World Cup in UAE, is currently in South Africa for CHAN and team spokesman Ben Alaiya told MTNFootball.com he was not allowed to leave the squad for the event.

    “Alampasu will not make the awards. He will not be released because he is in the middle of a tournament,” Alaiya said before the Awards last night.

     

  • Alampasu’s birthday highlights Eagles Xmas Eve

    Alampasu’s birthday highlights Eagles Xmas Eve

    Fledgling Golden Eaglets keeper, Dele Alampasu, is a year older on Xmas eve and the teenage international who was voted the best keeper at the last U-17 World Cup, which Nigeria won, has been grinning from ear to ear at his output so far in the Super Eagles camp.

    Alampasu, who turns 17 today, said he has learnt a lot from his experience with top and senior keepers like Chigozie Agbim and Dan Akpeyi, whom he noted have added the much needed fillip to his game as he seeks ascendancy into the senior cadre.

    There is also a slight change in the Super Eagles programme as preparations heighten for the CHAN African Nations Tourney in South Africa, next year. The practice game scheduled to be played against Nigerian league champions, Kano Pillars, have now been rescheduled for Monday, December 30th. The games was earlier scheduled for Friday, December 27th.

    Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Attah, said the change was necessitated by the game the national team will play on Saturday in the Garden City of Port Harcourt, against a selected side, consisting of players from top sides, Sharks FC, Dolphin FC and other top players within the Garden City Metropolis. Details of the game will be unveiled later.

    Already, all players invited to the national team last weekend have all reported to camp and have been showing signs of the battle for shirts in camp. At the last count about 33 players were in camp battling for 23 shirts for the CHAN tourney. The technical crew is expected to again prune down the list of players by the weekend as momentum heightens for SA 2014 CHAN tourney.

  • Alampasu : ‘Secret of my success’

    Alampasu : ‘Secret of my success’

    THOUGH quick to admit that he was not born with a silver spoon, Dele Alampasu has revealed for the first time the story behind his instant success as a goalkeeper.

    “I’m still young but I have this habit of not telling anybody what I want to do,” confessed the lad who was crowned the best goalkeeper at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup last month.”Maybe this would interest you and one of the things that have helped me so far is that I don’t like telling people what I want to do.

    “In fact, my family did not know I was in the Golden Eaglets camp before the World Cup and that has been my style.

    “It is not because I’m a disobedient child but experience has taught me to always keep my plans secret and this has really helped me so far,” he volunteered.

    Alampasu has dealt with many challenges in life and he reckons that none was bigger than being picked as the first choice goalkeeper on the eve of the World Cup. With injury to Yinka Adewale, the mantle practically fell on Alampasu ahead of towering Francis Uzoho Odinaka and pint-sized Abdulazeez Abubakar as the team’s main guy between the sticks in the UAE.

    “I was really under tremendous pressure before the World Cup because it suddenly dawned on me that I could be picked as the first choice,” revealed Alampasu. “Of course, I believe in my ability but I’m still learning to be at my best because it wasn’t long that I joined the Golden Eaglets.”

    To say that Alampasu was at the right place at the right time is perhaps stating the obvious since fate was indeed kind to him. He was overlooked initially when he participated in the team’s screening exercise but was called up following the ineligibility of others through post Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) Test after CAN Under-17 Championship in Morocco.

    “The World Cup was my real exposure to international competition though I helped my College of Football Abuja win a tournament in Croatia in June but the standard was not the same,” he confessed.”That was why the pressure got to me in the first two matches against Mexico and Sweden but I was just praying that God should help me.

    “I felt so bad especially after conceding the three goals against Sweden in the second match and I thought it was all over for me because we had other good goalkeepers in the team.

    “But everybody in the team rallied behind me and encouraged me. They were all telling me that I could do it.

    “After the game, the first person that spoke with me was my trainer, Coach Emeka Amadi, and he said, I should forget about the game and that I should not allow any negative talk to affect me. Almost everybody told me the same thing about forgetting the errors I committed against Sweden and be focused in subsequent matches.

    “This really was a huge motivation for me to step up my game too and I did my best to correct the mistakes in the following games and I really thank coach Amadi and others for standing behind me,” he stated.

    Amadi, former youth international who helped Nigeria to win the silver medal at the 1989 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, further gave insights into how Alampasu rose from Ground Zero to Golden Gloves winner in Abu-Dhabi.

    “All along I knew we had good goalkeepers in camp after we lost some of the old hands to injury and MRI test; and without doubt Alampasu had been impressive,” he explained.” My fear was whether he would be able to overcome the stage fright and show the world what he was capable of doing.”

    Amadi had to dig into his experience as a trainer and a former Montessori teacher to lift the morale of a crest-fallen Alampasu after he blundered against Sweden which sent tongues wagging about his professional judgement.

    “I stuck with Alampasu because he has shown me in due course that he was good and I had to help him deal with self-doubts and the waves of criticisms after the games against Mexico and Sweden.

    “I told him never to assume perfection and be ready to commit mistake; and I had to tell him all the pressure I was dealing with too because we have a father-son relationship.

    “Oh God! I can’t describe how I felt the day he was picked as the best goalkeeper of the tournament but I would like to share a true life story about Alampasu.

    “I usually told him while we were in Calabar that if he applied himself well, he could become the best and while we were warming up before the quarter-final match against Uruguay, the referee said to me ‘your goalkeeper is very good’ and I pleaded with him to tell Alampasu the same thing, which he did.

    “From experience, I know that feedback is very important and I think such positive remarks from an outsider boosted his morale and I want to believe that was the turning point.

    “He has a bright future and he is now in the best position to face whatever challenges that may come up his way be it on or outside the pitch,” added Amadi.

    Of course, the final words belong to Alampasu:”The day we won the World Cup would go down as my happiest moment in life. I was happy because I did exceptionally well but the last thing I was expecting was the best goalkeeper of the championship.

    “I thought my past errors would have counted against me and that was why I cried with joy when I was called to pick the award.

    “I thank God as well as my coaches, teammates that supported me throughout the championship,” noted Alampasu.

    Alampasu in the meantime is currently in the Super Eagles camp in Abuja competing for a place in Coach Stephen Keshi’s team for the CHAN Tournament to be held in South Africa in January.

    Super Eagles’ goalkeeper’s trainer, Ike Shorunmu, was quoted as saying that he was impressed with the two new goalies, Isah Danladi of Sharks FC and Golden Eaglets Sunday Alampasu. “They have been wonderful along with Dan Akpeyi and Chigozie Agbim, they can even challenge for World Cup places but it might be too early in the day, so let’s keep our fingers crossed for now.”

    Don’t bet against Alampasu riding his luck into the CHAN Tournament like he did on his way to glory with the Golden Eaglets in the UAE.