Erstwhile Super Eagles of Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba, on Saturday said he was not bitter by his exclusion from the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup Eagles squad.
Aiyenugba told the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview in Ilorin, Kwara State, that it was the coach’s decision to leave him out, so he has no grudges against it.
The former Kwara Stars’ shot stopper, said he would continue to work hard to deserve a place in the Super Eagles in the future.
He added that he respected the decision of the coach, even as he would have loved to make it to Brazil 2014.
The former Enyimba FC of Aba goalkeeper described the Super Eagles list as fantastic and expressed his readiness to fly the colours of the country if given the opportunity.
Aiyenugba said: “When you desire something and you don’t get it, you continue to work to get it.
“I deserve a place in the list, but since the coach excludes me, I have to respect his decision.
“I love my country and I will jump at a chance to come back again.
“The joy of a player is to play for his country.”
Aiyenugba said the Super Eagles had a good chance in the World Cup because there were many good players in the squad.
Aiyenugba added that no nation was a pushover in the 32 countries to battle for supremacy because they all fought hard and must be accorded same respect.
He said: “I believe in these guys.
“They will make it to the next round and progress with determination.”
The Bnei Yehuda goalkeeper described the failure of the Nigerian national team to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations as unfortunate.
Aiyenugba who plays at Bnei Yehuda in Israel had become the first-choice goalkeeper since the suspension of Vincent Enyeama from the Super Eagles in September 2011.
NAN recalls that he was in the post when Nigeria drew 2-2 with Guinea in Abuja that ensured the Super Eagles missing out on the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
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