Champions of Croatia HNK Rijeka have handed Nigerian goalkeeper David Nwokolor a big chance to claim the first choice position of the team as he has been included in their pre season camp.
Nwokolor has been on the books of the team as third choice before embarking on loan spells with Sibenik and Bosnian side NK Vitez in the last consecutive seasons.
His performances for Vitez earned him the nickname “Nigerian Buffon ” by the press in Bosnian, thanks to his fine performances in the 23 games he kept goal for the modest Bosnian side who are campaigning in the top division.
He returned to Rijeka who are in the Champions League after the expiration of his loan deal, and immediately proceeded with the first team of the club for training ahead of their UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
Already tipped to be handed a call up to the senior national team of Nigeria, if he holds on to the number one spot at the Croatian club he could be a better alternative to Daniel Akpeyi who has been roundly blamed for the manners of goals he conceded in Nigeria’s 0-2 loss to South Africa over the weekend.
Ade Emmanuel
