Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme on Wednesday assured Nigerians that he was not under pressure ahead of their 2017Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier clash against Tanzania on Saturday.
Ikeme gave the assurance at a media briefing in Abuja ahead of their departure for Dar es Salaam on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ikeme appears to be the team’s first choice after the withdrawal of team captain Vincent Enyeama from the match.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers’ goalkeeper is on his first invitation to the national team.
“Pressure is something that you put on yourself. But right now I am enjoying being with the players, the coaches and the others, and we are under no pressure.
“However, I was delighted when the call came from coach Sunday Olisheh to be part of the team, though it was a big shock because I wasn’t really expecting it.
“I will just try to do here what I do for my club and be hopeful that it will be good enough for the country as well.
“Also, I am not going to try and be Vincent Enyeama. I will just try to be myself and play my own game,’’ Ikeme, who plays in England, said.
Also speaking at the briefing, CSKA Moscow’s forward Ahmed Musa, who is expected lead the team to Tanzania, assured fans that they would do their best to win the game.
NAN reports that Group G opponents Tanzania had lost their first game in the qualifying series 0-3 to Egypt, while Nigeria beat Chad 2-0 in Kaduna.
The match is also Oliseh’s first competitive match in charge as Super Eagles’ Head Coach.
NAN
