Nigeria Loses Future Goalkeeping Sensation to England U20

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Super Eagles’ hope of shoring up its goalkeeping department with the promising 19-year-old England based kid, Owen Olamidayo Goodman, is now on the brinks as he has been invited to the England U20 team ahead of the U20 World Cup.

The goalkeeper, who was born in United Kingdom to a Nigerian mother and a British Father, is one of the two goalkeepers invited in the 22- man team by the Technical Director, John McDermott.

Goodman, who recently penned a new deal with Crystal Palace U21s is expected to report to the team camp tomorrow along with other players.

The team is expected to play three friendly matches before the departure for the 23rd edition of the U20 World Cup in Indonesia scheduled for May 20 to June 11, 2023.

Preparation for the summer tournament will see England play France, USA and Germany.

The English fans will have the opportunity to see some of the most exciting young players in the country when the U20 take on Germany at the Manchester City Academy Stadium on March 22 (7.30pm GMT kick-off).

The squad will then head to the Marbella Football Centre in Spain to take on the USA (Saturday 25 March) and France (Tuesday 28 March) as preparation for this summer’s tournament ramps up.

Goodman has been the first-choice keeper for Paddy McCarthy’s Under-21s this season, keeping three clean sheets in 12 games.

He is a man spoilt with choice when it comes to his international football career.

He is eligible for Canada, Nigeria and England for his international career.

A young goalkeeper with a clear head and directions recently opened up on how he will arrive at a decision.

“Whoever calls me first, I will honour the invite,” he said.

When pushed further on the possibility of Nigeria, Owen gave an emphatic answer.

” l will be glad to play for my country (Nigeria). If l gets the opportunity, I will grab it.”