Crystal Palace goalkeeper eyeing Super Eagles future secures loan move to AFC Wimbledon

Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Owen Goodman has agreed to join EFL League Two side AFC Wimbledon on a season-long loan, Soccernet.ng reports.

Goodman, a product of the Crystal Palace Football Academy, signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2021. Last season, he was loaned to Colchester United, where he played 40 matches and recorded four clean sheets.

For the upcoming season, the Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper will continue his development with consistent playing time in EFL League Two.

Part of the club’s statement reads: “Goalkeeper Goodman joined Palace at Under-13s level and has progressed through the ranks at the Academy, appearing in four first-team matchday squads in 2022/23. The 20-year-old now heads to Plough Lane to link up with Johnnie Jackson’s Wimbledon side, who finished 10th in League Two last season. Everyone at Palace would like to wish Owen the best of luck during his loan spell.”

Goodman, who has a diverse international background, has expressed interest in potentially playing for the Nigerian national team. This was indicated by his visit to Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau at the Glass House in Abuja.

With a Nigerian mother and a British father, Goodman is eligible to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles, England’s Three Lions, or the Canadian national team.

Although the NFF sought to include him in Nigeria’s under-20 squad in 2023, Goodman opted to join England’s under-20 team instead, making his debut on March 25, 2023, and earning two caps.

Additionally, he has represented Canada at the under-20 level, keeping him eligible for their senior team as well.

Goodman’s move to AFC Wimbledon is seen as a crucial step in his career, providing him with valuable experience and the opportunity to showcase his skills in a competitive league.