Ozoemena: The Safe Hands Who Embodies His Name

Since the start of this season, we have had some beautiful and memorable moments. We have seen fine goals, sublime passes and brilliant saves. Let us take a moment to look at Ani Ozoemena and how big he has been for us this season.

Ani has been one of our shining lights in the league and on the continent. In games we have won, drawn or even lost, he has risen to the occasion when given the chance. No wonder he deservedly got a call up to the national team and he became the number one goalkeeper of the CHAN team, displaying an assured performance as the team qualified for the CHAN Tournament for the time in the last three attempts.

Like it happens to even the best players in the world, Ani’s intention was not well executed against Zamalek. However, that should not define what he has done all season where he has proven himself as one of the league’s best shot stoppers.

Our coach, Eguma felt it was wise to give him rest after the rigours of the CHAN games, the league and football on the continent. That was a time to get refreshed and return.

What a return he had. It was the Oriental Derby against Heartland. In the reverse fixture, we beat Heartland in Owerri and they came with revenge in their minds. From the way their supporters club came in with their flags, to the way their players strutted onto the pitch, the message was clear: they wanted to take back the three points. But they had Ani Ozoemena to contend with.

Let us talk about the name, Ozoemena. In Igbo language, the name means “may misfortune not happen again.” He embodied that name as he dived for every ball and stretched his hands to initiate attacks. It was indeed his afternoon–one in which the memories of Cairo was banished indefinitely.

Ani reminded the world and his wife that he was still the same Ani, the one who some analysts have described as the best ball playing goalkeeper in the NPFL.

Having not saved Daniel Ekpo’s spot kick, he vowed never to let any goal in. He denied Anthony Omaka a goal after the midfielder cut in inside the box and picked an angle but the goalkeper saved his effort. He also made double saves and denied Wisdom Samuel a possible winner. Ani made himself big again to deny Promise Anyanwu in a one-on-one situation, and also denied Daniel Ekpo a goal.

Granted, Heartland’s keeper, Kelvin Ogunga also denied Ideye and made some vital interventions, but Ani was outstanding.

The CHAN Eagles goalkeper kept his side in the game and got commendation for that.

Ani Ozoemena will hope to break into Eric Chelle’s team as CHAN Eagles number one goalkeeper and also one of the finest and safest hands in the NPFL.

He had waited for this moment, a time for redemption and he served it sweet and memorable.

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