Nigeria U20 goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso recorded a serious profession milestone on Saturday, protecting his first clear sheet as an expert in Chornomorets Odesa’s hard-fought 1-0 dwelling victory over LNZ Cherkasy within the Ukrainian Premier League, Soccernet.ng stories.
The match, performed on the Stadion Chornomorets in Odesa, marked a private breakthrough for Aniagboso, who had been ready patiently for a correct first-team alternative since becoming a member of the membership final yr.
Trusted with a beginning position in a struggling Chornomorets aspect rooted to the foot of the desk, the 20-year-old delivered a composed and commanding efficiency between the sticks.
It was Aniagboso’s first begin since debuting final September in a 1-1 draw — satirically additionally in opposition to Cherkasy.
The Nigerian shot-stopper had since been sidelined in favour of 32-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Artur Rudko, however a string of poor outcomes and a defensive disaster opened the door for Aniagboso’s return to the beginning XI.
The victory was simply Chornomorets’ fifth of the season and ended a dismal 13-match run with just one win and no clear sheets. With Aniagboso in purpose, the defence appeared way more assured, serving to the workforce to an important three factors that lifted them off the underside of the desk and as much as 18 factors—three away from security.
This landmark second is the most recent in Aniagboso’s rising profession.
Nigeria squad for the #AFCON2023Q in opposition to Guinea-Bissau .
Nigeria U20 duo captain Daniel Bameyi (17) and goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso (18) included. pic.twitter.com/oONi37GDRQ
— Africa Soccer Zone (@AfricaSoccer_zn) March 17, 2023
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He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper on the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, the place he stored 4 clear sheets in 5 matches — together with the 4-0 bronze medal win over Tunisia — serving to the Flying Eagles to a third-place end and qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
On the match in Argentina, Aniagboso once more proved reliable, starring in Nigeria’s wins over Italy and host nation Argentina, protecting clear sheets in each encounters because the workforce progressed to the quarter-finals earlier than dropping narrowly to South Korea after additional time.
Chijioke Aniagboso (GK) vs Italy
100% aerial duels received (4/4)3 saves1 save contained in the box5 excessive claims43 touches16 passes1 key pass1 large likelihood created
Bagged an ️ by way of his “route 1” particular.
Dude was d epitome of composure as we speak#FlyingEagles#FIFAU20WorldCup #ITANGA pic.twitter.com/E5ZZ9njXzL
— David CL Mikel Okoye (@007Supernerd) Could 24, 2023
His performances earned him a transfer to Europe later in 2023, initially becoming a member of Ukrainian aspect Polissya, earlier than a mortgage spell at PFC Zvyagel, and eventually sealing a everlasting switch to Chornomorets in September.
With the Tremendous Eagles’ No.1 shirt nonetheless up for grabs, Aniagboso’s progress can be carefully monitored.
Nigeria’s present first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali got here below scrutiny following the workforce’s underwhelming 1-1 draw in opposition to Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier final month, whereas the options — Kayode Bankole and Amas Obasogie — stay largely untested at worldwide degree.
If Aniagboso continues his upward trajectory, he may emerge as a robust contender to guide the road for Nigeria at main tournaments within the close to future. His subsequent alternative comes when Chornomorets journey to Obolon Kyiv, who sit thirteenth, subsequent weekend.
