America – b a s e d goal-tender, Joel Isyaq, has promised to make Super Eagles’ number one position more competitive if invited to be part of Nigeria’s team to feature in the remaining matches of the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
The Nigerian who is dreaming of replacing injured Carl Ikeme, has been working tirelessly to play himself into the heart of Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr in his base in America.
Composure, positioning, reflexes, agility, techniques, anticipation, ball handling, couple with great saves are just some of the attributes American-based Nigerian goalkeeper possesses.
If his recent form for his club is anything to go by, Isyaq could well be described as the new Vincent Enyeama.
At present, Joel is the first choice goalkeeper for his team. So far he has kept six clean sheets for his club this season and won the man of the match award on several occasions.
His performance is attracting scouts from all over the United States of America, USA including Europe.
The Kaduna-South born goalkeeper, who will be 21 years on May 18, 2017, plays for Super Green Football Club SGFC Eagles Maryland, USA with a height of 6.2ft.
He disclosed that he is being approached by representatives of various national teams in the continent but told them he prefers to play for his country especially now that they are having goalkeeping challenge.
Isyaq said if given the opportunity, he will not only create competition in the Super Eagles team when invited but also help solve the challenge presently experienced in the team.
Joel’s emergence is coming at a time when the country is in dire need of a goalkeeper after it was confirmed that the Super Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper, Ikeme is nursing an injury.
It would be recalled that the Super Eagles have been having goalkeeping challenge since the Lille of France safest hand; Vincent Enyeama quit the national team.
The discovery of Ikeme helped stabilized the defence for sometimes but his injury worry is giving the team handlers serious concern.
There is no doubt that this is the best time for Rohr to start looking for a replacement as the Nations and World Cup qualifiers are fast approaching.
However, the emergence of Isyaq could just be the person the team needs to give Ikeme a good fight for a starting shirt or back-up whenever he is not available for selection.
