Enyimba’s goalkeeper, Ani Ozoemena Henry says he feels good about the opportunity he has gotten this season to be in goal for the NPFL champions. Ani, who is in his third season with the Elephants was given his first start of the season against Doma United in Gombe. He relates how he felt when he was told he would be in goal against the Savannah Tigers.
“I felt good when I was told I would be in goal against Doma. I was happy and with that joy, I told myself that I was going to make everyone who believe in me happy in the match. Even though we lost, we played a good match there but that is football.”
Ani has been in goal for Enyimba in five games this season, keeping two clean sheets and was in goal in Enyimba’s historic away win in Owerri against Heartland FC. The ball-playing goalkeeper believes that hard work, God’s grace and dedication have brought him this far.
“I feel good. Actually it’s my third season at Enyimba. I got the chance to play in my third season. During those previous seasons that I didn’t play, I was busy working hard, being focused and always training. I never missed training for once. I never stopped training. I knew that one day, with my hard work that I would be given a chance to play. I feel good. I know that by God’s grace, with hard work, I will still play more matches.”
Ozoemena saved two penalties when Enyimba beat Apex Kranes 3-2 on penalties to lift the Governor Ikpeazu tournament in 2022 and has since been waiting for an opportunity on a bigger stage. Going forward, he is determined to keep staying focused and committed.
“My determination going forward is to be committed, staying focused and achieving my goals.”
On his relationship with other goalkeepers in the team, Ozoemena said it is cordial.
“We are good. The relationship is there and we are good.”
The goalkeeper will hope to continue his fine form and win the trust of the coaches in subsequent games.