Sunshine Stars’ Odunlami, Ezenwa, Tunde thrilled by Super Eagles’ call-up

Playing for the national team is every player’s dream. But to the trio of Kunle Odunlami, Tunde Adeniji and Ikechukwu Ezenwa being among the players named by Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi, in the squad to train and play against Chad in an African Nations Cup qualifier is much more than dreams coming true.

It is a reward for all the hard work they have put into their game. It is a pointer that n matter where you work, if you do your work well you will reap the reward.

Odunlami has been in and out of the Super Eagles in recent times, but to the Sunshine Stars’ stopper, every opportunity to play for Nigeria is a reminder that he has to work hard to gain the rewards of the game.

The central defender has been one of the top performers in the Nigerian league over the last three years ; he was also part of coach Keshi’s 2013 African Nations Cup heroes.

“I’m so excited with the recall to the Eagles. I think my patience and perseverance has paid off. I always knew my time would come again and I’m grateful to God. I’ll not let my club and Nigeria down,” Odunlami said.

New comer to the Eagles, Tunde Adeniji says, “I am so delighted for the call up. Hard work and diligence have earned me the call up and I will always appreciate this opportunity given to me by ODSFA boss for promoting me from Rising Stars to Sunshine Stars and here I am being called up to national team. I am very grateful to God”,said Adeniji.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, whose last duty for Nigeria was in the junior team, also attributes his invitation to the Super Eagles to hard work. “I never gave up. I kept working hard and kept putting in my best. I know what I can do so it is very possible for me to make the team but first I have to prove myself when the camp opens,” Ezenwa admitted.

The Sunshine Stars players and other invitees were expected to arrive at the Bolton White Apartment, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja yesterday for the preliminary preparation for the AFCON qualifier.

Odunlami has played seven out of nine matches for Sunshine Stars this season, while Ezenwa has played six out of nine matches and Adeniji played eight out of nine matches.