Godwin’s long journey to stardom

Godwin’s saves in-between-the-sticks has been noticed across the continent and he’s one of the reasons why the famous Aba side is chasing a third Caf Champions League title. Today, he has become the most important player at the club. No Nigerian team has equaled Enyimba’s back-to-back success story in 2003 and 2004. Interestingly, supporters believe […]

Godwin’s saves in-between-the-sticks has been noticed across the continent and he’s one of the reasons why the famous Aba side is chasing a third Caf Champions League title. Today, he has become the most important player at the club.

No Nigerian team has equaled Enyimba’s back-to-back success story in 2003 and 2004. Interestingly, supporters believe a hat-trick is possible with the presence of Godwin in goal.

It’s usually rare for goalkeepers to earn the plaudits when the forwards remain in the limelight for their goal scoring feats. In fact, Godwin’s sudden rise to stardom has surprised fans of the club.

The journey to the top for any goalkeeper is usually tough and Godwin’s story is not different.

He arrived Enyimba at a time the famous Chijioke Ejiogu had made the goalkeeper’s position his personal property. However, Godwin got a chance to get in goal during the club’s road trip to Raja Casablanca in the Group stage of the CAF Champions League and has seized the gloves since then.

Road to the top

Godwin told SuperSport.com that he has always prepared for the opportunity to be in goal.

“As a reserve goalkeeper you must be ready, because you don’t know the opportunity will come. Last season, I got only three chances to be in goal, but I wasn’t discouraged because Ejiogu was at his best.

“However, I realised it was time to prove my worth when the chance came for me to be in goal. Confidence is also good. A goalkeeper must believe in his ability,” Godwin stated.

Despite the commendation that has come his way, Godwin is excited with his four-man defence.

“A good goalkeeper must have great working relationship with his defence. I can’t take the glory alone; the defence has boosted my confidence in goal. I think nobody will talk about me without the contribution of my defence,” he said.

Casablanca

Enyimba has made two trips to the coastal city of Casablanca and Godwin has turned out to be Match-Day hero on both occasions.

His impressive saves deprived Moroccan champions, Raja, of goals and this ended their quest for silverware in the competition.

Godwin also made life miserable for WAC and the club will have to be at their best to beat him on Sunday.

Enyeama’s Influence:

Godwin revealed that Super Eagles first-choice, Vincent Enyeama, who is a former Enyimba goalkeeper, has influenced his career.

“I’ve always wants to be like him considering the fact that he was outstanding at Enyimba, which eventually led to his invitation to the national team.

“I’m happy to be the goalkeeper at Enyimba because it’s the best opportunity for a good player to be recognised. Enyeama won the Champions League and I’m ready to put in my best to do the same with Enyimba,” he said to SuperSport.com.

The goalkeeper also identified Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, as another goalkeeper, he admires.