El Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper, David Obiazor has vowed to prove his worth in the Nigeria’s Under-23 Olympic team (Dream Team V1).
The Super Eagles shot stopper got the approval of head coach, Samson Siasia on Monday to report to the side’s Abuja camp for the start of final phase closed screening.
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) goal tender was among the third batch of players that participated in the three-day open trials in Abuja.
Obiazor said he was somehow surprised to be considered worthy of invitation after he was frozen in the mainstream side, Super Eagles.
“I’m somehow surprised at the call up to report to the Under-23 camp not that I doubted my capability to earn a place after the open trials but because of the fact that I’ve been overlooked in subsequent invitations in the Super Eagles.
“Since my first call up to the Super Eagles to take the place of Vincent Enyeama in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations double header against Congo Brazzaville and South Africa nobody had looked in my direction.
“I had looked forward to no avail to be included in the domestic Super Eagles that played the Black Meteors of Ghana during the official opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom Stadium, Uyo.
“So you can see while I’m surprised as well as excited with the latest invitation to the Under-23 Olympic team.
“I won’t allow the rare opportunity to slip off my hand as I’m determined to go the extra mile to prove my worth as well as justify the confidence the coaches reposed in me.
“I know I still have the quality that made me an instant choice of coach Stephen Keshi to replace Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama.
“I’m quite ready to fight for a permanent spot in the Dream Team V1 as well as make my impact felt in the qualifying matches and championship proper,” said Obiazor to supersport.com.
The Dream Team V1 have a daunting task of qualifying Nigeria for the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville as well as the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Obiazor however clarified that he has not had any contact or discussion with the Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars on possible switch as widely reported.
“I’ve not had any discussion with Kano Pillars for possible switch to the side for the upcoming 2014/15 league season. I’m still expecting but for now nothing is going on between me and the side,” said Obiazor.
Obiazor was quite outstanding in goal for the Maiduguri-based side in the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season. (supersport.com)