I’m done with Super Eagles, says Dele Aiyenugba despite fine form

Dele Aiyenugba, a one-time Super Eagles goalkeeper, says he is not seeking a return to the national team.

Aiyenugba, who made 17 appearances for the Super Eagles, spoke in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, on Sunday.

“I don’t want to go back to the national team; I am done,” he said.

The former Enyimba FC goalkeeper has been in fine form for Kwara United since his return home at the beginning of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The 37-year-old’s wealth of experience has provided the Ilorin-based club a firm rearguard that has launched them to the top of the league ahead of other regular title contenders.

Aiyenugba is on the quest to win his fifth NPFL title after previously claiming the title with Enyimba in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2007.

While he was with the People’s Elephant of Aba, the goalkeeper was a significant part of the team that ruled the continent, winning the CAF Champions League twice in 2003 and 2004 as well as the African Super Cup in 2004 and 2005.

In 2007, Aiyenugba left Enyimba for Israel, where he played for teams like Bnei Yehuda, Hapoel Ashkelon, Hapoel Iksal, and Hapoel Afula during his 13-year stay.

Aiyenugba isn’t the only international footballer to return home as Ahmed Musa, Super Eagles captain, recently rejoined Kano Pillars on a short-term deal till the end of the season.

The goalkeeper will hope to continue his good form with Kwara United when the league’s second stanza resumes with a visit to Nassarawa on April 28.