August, 2 2023.
Goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke has been named new captain of Aba based record nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International FC.
Olorunleke takes over the captain's armband from another goalkeeper, John Noble who left Enyimba a few days ago to join newly promoted Tanzanian Premier League side Tabora United, on a renewable 12 months deal.
Olorunleke will be assisted in his new role (as first among equals at Enyimba), by 23-year-old defender, Somiari Alalibo who was named new vice-captain, by Coach Finidi George.
Olorunleke was surprisingly Enyimba's first choice keeper during the NPFL Super Six playoffs, and his performances in goal for the People's Elephant was key, as the Aba Peoples' Elephant edged out Remo Stars and Rivers United on goals difference to win the 2022/23 title.
In the aftermath of his heroics at the play-offs and during the regular season, Olorunleke was called up to the Super Eagles by Coach José Peseiro, as Nigeria prepared to face the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Monrovia.
The play-offs in Lagos, as well as the Super 8 that followed in Lagos, with John Noble returning to man the sticks for Enyimba has been a blessing ground for him.
Noble himself has had a stint with the Super Eagles, when he was drafted in as the fourth shot-stopper and only NPFL player in Austin Eguavoen's team that was in Cameroun, in early 2021 for the Africa Cup of Nations final.
But he has been grossly overlooked by the NFF, and Super Eagles set-up since then, after he openly called out the NFF hierarchy for making him the only player not paid his bonuses.
Olorunleke's appointment as captain, comes as part of the ongoing reorganization at the camp of the former two-time African Champions, whose board is now chaired by legendary Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo.
By virtue of winning their record extending ninth NPFL title, Enyimba and Super Six runners-up, Remo Stars of Ikenne will be representing Nigeria in next season's CAF Champions League.
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