Promising left back Ikouwem Udoh says he is prepared for what will be the ‘biggest game of my career’ when Nigeria face hosts Morocco on Sunday night in the 2018 final of African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Ikouwem has been one of the revelations of the tournament despite having featured in just two of the team’s five matches. The 18-year old as at this moment is sure to start Sunday’s final due to the absence of first choice left back Daniel Itodo.
“I thank God for everything because I believe he has helped us to this stage of the tournament.
“I know at the end of this tournament we are going to go back home with something to tell Nigerians that we prepared for this tournament,” said Ikouwem to www.aclsports.com
Udoh’s displays have earned rave reviews since his national team debut in the quarter-final victory over Angola in Tangier.
The Akwa-Ibom born star in his clichéd philosophical quote attributes it to his preparation for this opportunity.
“In football, I have always believed that when preparation meets opportunity, success always comes.
“I have prepared and I have prayed to God that anytime I get this opportunity to showcase myself that God should give me the strength to play and make my people proud and I thank God for it,” added the Enyimba youngster.
Over 45,000 largely partisan fans are expected at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Sunday night and it is an occasion Ikouwem is relishing.
“Sunday’s game will be the biggest game of my career. Playing against the host team with all their fans and the noise I used to see on the Television but I am ready to give all my effort to help my country lift the trophy.”
Sunday’s final to determine the winner of the Championship will hold at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca at 8pm Nigerian time.
Fisayo Dairo, reporting from Casablanca.
“Cliched philosophical quotes”…. Hmm, Nice diss!