INTERVIEW: Nigeria’s absence at 2022 World Cup painful, says Ike Shorunmu

Ike Shorunmu’s figure assured Nigerians of one thing: security. The former Super Eagles goalkeeper embodied dedication, determination and patriotism in between the sticks. His signature clean-shaven bonce, long-sleeve jersey and equally long pants were features that became the stuff of legend among local fans during his playing days.

Shorunmu rose from relative obscurity to stardom and became the country’s safest pair of hands. He joined the national team as a 25-year-old in 1992. Clemens Westerhof was planning to rejig the Eagles following the disappointment of missing out on the 1990 World Cup ticket. He combed through the vibrant local league for talent and found Shorunmu who was playing for Stationery Stores in Lagos.

Shorunmu made his competitive debut that same year in a 2-0 victory over Uganda in the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

He was passed over for places in the Eagles squad for Nigeria’s World Cup debut in USA 1994, with competition from Peter Rufai, Alloysius Agu and the late Wilfred Agbonavbare. And at the France 1998 World Cup, he missed out again due to injury.

Shorunmu’s chance, however, came four years later at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. He played twice against Argentina and Sweden before squad rotation ensured he sat out of the final group game against England.

Now a goalkeeper coach for the Eagles, Shorunmu shares fond memories of that competition with TheCable ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France.

What was it like representing Nigeria at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup?

It is a great experience for a player to play in the World Cup and that’s the Mecca for every footballer. Every player plays for his club while working towards being in the World Cup. I missed the 1994 World Cup because I was one of the youngest goalkeepers and I also missed France in 1998 due to an injury. But in 2002, I had the opportunity to appear in the World Cup and was interesting. It is like you are an ambassador of your country on a world stage. Today, it is still one of my best memories.

How did you feel when you were dropped due to your age in 1994?

I did not have any bad feelings because I understood that I had years ahead of me. Because I had my seniors then — Peter Rufai, Alloysius Agu and the late Wilfred Agbonavbare — and it was also Nigeria’s first World Cup and experience is needed in the goalkeeping department. However, I appreciate the time I spent with them and I picked up skills and took it all with good faith.

How do you feel about Nigeria’s absence from the Qatar 2022 World Cup?

It’s painful because everybody expects Nigeria to be at the World Cup. But unfortunately, we could not get the ticket. The players felt the disappointment and also the officials too, but what can we do? Except to move forward.