Super Eagles and Ihefu Sports Club central defender, Benjamin Tanimu, has revealed it was a dream come true for him to play for Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 21-year-old centre back has been highly rated since his time at Bendel Insurance, which saw him linked with several European clubs.
After scoring two goals in 19 games for Bendel Insurance in the NPFL 23/24 season, Tanimu joined Tanzanian league side, Ihefu Sports Club, and has continued to grow as a young defender.
The Benin-born player is very good in the air, and with the ball at his feet and showed that in the game against Ghana yesterday. He was drafted into the starting back three by Finidi George, where he partnered with Chidozie Awaziem and Semi Ajayi.
Tanimu put in a solid shift on the right side of the back three, allowing Bright Osayi-Samuel the freedom to roam forward. He was replaced by Ademola Lookman in the 78th minute.
Goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman sealed the win for Finidi George on his first game as Nigeria's coach, and Tanimu took to his Social media page to reveal how much donning the Super Eagles shirt means to him.
“My joy knows no bounds today. The debut came and I thank God for the Grace to play my part in the little way I could. Thanks to the coaching crew, the entire backroom staff and the senior players for the warm reception into the team,” the Ihefu SC defender posted on his X page.
The 1.83m tall defender also extended a hand of praise to the Nigerian fans and media for their constant support.
“Thanks to my wonderful fans across the world, the lovely Nigerians who have expressed their love and have given me their support all years. To the ever-articulating Nigerian Media, I hail you for your good works and I love you all. Let's keep supporting the Eagles with our respective wings. This for me, is a dream come true.”
Tanimu hopes to build on a strong start to life as a Nigerian international, and to become a regular in the coming years.
N.B: We want to know your thoughts. How good was Tanimu Benjamin against Ghana? Let us know in the comments.
