Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, has revealed that the nickname ‘Ike Anobi,’ which followed him to the pinnacle of Nigerian football, was born in the dust and passion of street football, where his journey truly began.
“Precisely, Ike Anobi is the name of my father’s mosque. My actual name is Ibrahim Shorunmu. I got the nickname ‘Ike’ while playing on the street because it is a popular name associated with my father’s mosque. Since then, people have been calling me that name even up to my playing days with the Super Eagles.”
Ike Shorunmu revealed this while appearing on a weekly radio show, Ayekooto on Radio, anchored by Olayinka Agboola and broadcast live on Splash 105.5 FM, Felele, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, recently.
Speaking further, he said the rivalry was very healthy during his playing days in the Super Eagles, while downplaying the rumours that cabals dictate the pace of things in the national team.
He revealed that teamwork and unity are the secrets behind the success of any good team.
He, however, dispelled the rumour that he used black powers, popularly known as juju, to play during his time with the national team.
“It is all rumours. It is all about training. How do you expect a student that wants to write an examination to pass without reading? Truly, while playing with stores, I always used a white handkerchief on my wrist but it was psychological. People believe that I command shots with my hands. Even with that, didn’t I concede goals?”
Ike further revealed that the issues affecting Nigeria’s goalkeeping department can only be solved by Africa-based goalkeepers.
Adding, “Looking at our African qualifiers, it is a physical game played on the African continent. Many of our European-based goalkeepers are not conversant with the styles and antics associated with playing on the African turf.
“Imagine having a game with the Congo Republic, whom people associate with using black magic to play games. Will a European-based goalkeeper be able to withstand such? It will become a thing of fear in his heart. If we do not handle our goalkeeping department and beam our searchlight at home, our Super Eagles will continue to struggle.”
Ike added that he was devastated after he suffered a late injury towards the France 1998 World Cup, revealing that he was also dropped from the USA 1994 squad because he was considered very young.
He, however, stated that he was fulfilled playing at the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, stating the Super Eagles lost the games against Argentina and Sweden as a result of lack of concentration and internal crisis affecting the morale of the squad.
Speaking of his most painful regret, “It happened while I was playing with Zurich in Switzerland. We went to play an away game and we were leading with a goal, and about 5 minutes to the end of the match, I conceded a goal after the ball spilled through my hand.
“On our way back, the players made fun of me and I wasn’t happy. In fact, I bowed my head till we got home. Anytime I remember, it saddens my heart. The nightmare of a goalkeeper is always unbelievable.”
Ike, however, urged the Nigeria Football Federation and the league management to reposition the Nigerian league and support the welfare of Nigerian players and coaches.
He further urged Nigerians to continue to support the current crop of Super Eagles players while remaining optimistic that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Packaged by Dare Raji
