Ojo Olorunleke: Enyimba goalkeeper attributes career successes to luck

By Wale Mustapha

Enyimba goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke has seen himself as a ‘lucky guy’ who’s always at the right club as the right time while still basking in the euphoria of winning the Nigeria Premier Football League title with the People’s Elephant.

Olorunleke had joined the Aba landlord in 2022 from Sunshine Stars and started the just concluded season on a high note but fell out of favor through the season following some costly errors.

The former Akwa United shot stopper would returned between the sticks with few games to end the regular season, where he helped the Coach George Finidi led side qualified for the Super 6 championship.

The Kogi-born goalkeeper maintained the tempo at the playoffs which helped Enyimba recorded their record ninth league title. Following his brilliant season, he was rewarded with an invitation to the Super Eagles for the country’s AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone in Monrovia.

Reflecting on the just concluded season and his career, an emotional Olorunleke said it was down to mother luck and hardwork just as he craves for more of it.

“We thank God for the success, the title, how the league ended and I’m so proud of myself and I must commend the efforts of my colleagues for a job well done.

“I feel so good, you know my case is always different, I always prove a point in any team I play and Enyimba is no different. I just want to thank God for how far I have come, right from the beginning of the season and up to this moment.

“I never expected the Super Eagles call-up but you know, I’m a very hardworking guy, I put in my best in every opportunity I have to play because I don’t know who is watching me.

“We will keep doing our best, we want to have a good continental outing, give our all, and represent the country well.”

The lanky goalkeeper is expected to remain with Enyimba next season as he hope to make the Super Eagles’ list for the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’ Ivoire.