Ihefu FC defender Benjamin Taminu made his Super Eagles debut on Friday, helping Nigeria secure a memorable 2-1 win over Ghana at the Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman scored the goals that handed Nigeria their first win over four-time Africa Cup of Nations winner Ghana in 18 years.
Tanimu’s defence performance was almost as significant as Nigeria’s goalscorers’, as he was key to keeping the Ghanaian attackers from troubling goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Named in the Super Eagles starting lineup for his international bow, Tanimu featured in Finidi’s three-man defensive set-up alongside West Brom defender Semi Ajayi and Boavista’s Chidozie Awaziem.
Wearing the Super Eagles jersey number five that is normally reserved for AFCON 2023 Most Valuable Player William Troost-Ekong, Tanimu held his own against Ghana’s attackers.
Fast, strong, and defensively aware, the 21-year-old stood firm against Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, and Forson Amankwah.
By the time Tanimu was replaced by Ademola Lookman in the 79th minute after picking up an injury, the Super Eagles still led by one-nil, with Nigeria’s defence yet to be breached.
While the youngster can be impressed with his performance, he should be even more elated by the words of interim coach George Finidi.
Finidi, who invited Tanimu to the national team fold following the unavailability of Troost-Ekong, has given the former Bendel Insurance ace a thumbs-up for his display.
“Great. He is a player that I wanted while he was still at Bendel Insurance, but it didn’t work out,” Finidi said of Tanimu after the encounter.
“With all the injuries that we had, we had to look for a player that can substitute, and it came to my mind to invite him, and he’s doing so well in his club in Tanzania, so why not?
“Not bad (Tanimu’s performance). Being his first time, it’s not easy wearing that national colours, but overall I would give him credit.
“It’s not a bad one for the first time wearing that jersey, to be there and up and doing, it’s a great thing.”
Tanimu will hope to be back to full fitness when the Super Eagles take on Mali in another friendly encounter on Tuesday, March 26th.
N.B: Were you impressed with Benjamin Tanimu’s performance against Ghana? Leave your comments below.
