By Frankie Omokhua, Enugu
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba, has commended the organisers of the Champions Cup Novelty match between African Legends and Barcelona Legends which took place at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday.
In a chat with Sportsday on Sunday, Aiyenugba who was in goal for the African Legends squad said he is fulfilled to have played alongside former Super stars during the game.
“I want to thank the organisers of the match for a job well done by helping to bring together stars of yester-years”.
“I’m fulfilled because I had the opportunity to meet Emmanuel Adebayo, El Hadji Diouf and the Egyptian goalkeeper. I had a great time with them”.
Speaking on the impact the game will have on the development of football in Africa, the ex-international believes it will help the younger players to be focused and develop their careers.
“I think a lot of the younger players in this generation who never had the chance to see these legends play will learn one or two things once they watch them”.
While describing the 3-1 loss against their opponents, the Kwara United goalkeeping trainer attributed it to some errors made by some players as well as bad pitch.
However, on the absence of former Barcelona stars, Nigeria’s Emmanuel Ameneke and Brazil’s Ronaldinho, Aiyenugba said miscommunication was responsible for Amuneke’s inability to take part in the match, while Ronaldinho failed to honour the game because the condition he gave to honour the invitation extended to him was not met by the organisers.
“Ameneke was absent because of the miscommunication with the Barca Legends. But, for Ronaldinho I was made to understand that his demands for a special treatment to be accorded him before he can honour the match were not met”.
“For example, he asked for a private jet to be used to pick him to Abuja for the match, but, that was not possible, hence, his absence”.
Aiyenugba promised to be ready to honour any invitation whenever the second edition of the novelty match comes up again.
“In all, we had fun and bonded. I hope to be part of it again whenever I’m called to play alongside former African legends”, concludes Aiyenugba.
