Fast-rising left back Ikouwem Udoh is delighted to be part of Nigeria’s squad to the 2018 African Nations Championships starting in Morocco next week.
The 20-year old was on Tuesday named among Coach Salisu Yusuf’s 23-man squad for the Championship, confirming his participation with the national team at any level for the first time in his career.
The Enyimba star who joins four other teammates of his at club level on the plane to the Maghreb nation is grateful for making the final squad. “I’m so excited to be in the list with my Enyimba teammates. I know it is God that did it for me and I’m very grateful,” the 20-year old told www.aclsports.com
“When preparation meets with opportunity, success will always come. I’ve always prepared and hope for this chance and I’m happy it has come,” he added.
2018 CAF Confederation Cup hopefuls Enyimba have five players in Nigeria’s 23-man squad, the most by any club in the Nigeria Professional Football League. Udoh believes this is a testament to the club’s status as one of the best in Africa.
“Actually, for my team Enyimba, it shows the high level the club are both in Nigeria and Africa. We’ve won titles in Africa and Nigeria and the team is always blessed with very good players.”
The Super Eagles side for the tournament have not played any inter-country friendly ahead of the tournament but Udoh remains optimistic his team will return from Morocco with good results.
“For me, I’m optimistic to come back with Gold. We’ve been training hard for it and I believe the team will come out with flying colours,” he concluded.
Nigeria face Rwanda in their opening game in Group C on Monday, January 15 in the Moroccan city of Tangier.
