The decision by Crystal Palace goalkeeper Owen Goodman to turn down an invitation to be a part of the Nigeria U20 team for the Africa Cup of Nations was one of the issues that came to the fore at the start of preparation for the tournament.
As first reported by OGN, the goalkeeper who is in the frame for a first team debut at the English Premier League side was handed the chance to be a part of the team but he surprisingly turned it down. He is also eligible for two other countries in England and Canada.
We gathered he has already accepted an invitation to train with the English U19 with Canada also pushing to have him in their youth team set up. His decision appears to havs drawn the ire of former Nigeria international Efe Ambrose.
Speaking to OGN, Ambrose said his decision is one he might regret if he fails to make the grade at the other two countries he prefers ahead of Nigeria. He said going to the U20 AFCON would have put him in the best position to be Super Eagles number one this year.
” He could regret it because it’s the door to becoming the first choice goalkeeper of the senior national team. Presently there is no much competition in that department and a strong showing at the tournament would have opened the door for him to be a part of the set up almost immediately. He missed a trick that could backfire”, Ambrose rounded up saying.
Waziri Damian
