New Super Eagles player, Benjamin Tanimu, who plays for the Tanzanian team Ihefu, discusses how he felt when he received the invitation to play for Nigeria in the friendly matches against Ghana and Mali, his time in the NPFL with Bendel Insurance, and more in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE
Congrats on being invited to play for the Super Eagles in the upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali. What were you doing when you got the invitation and what was your initial reaction?
I was in my hotel room, getting ready for a league game when I received the news, and I was like wow! I couldn’t contain my excitement and then congratulatory messages started coming in on my phone. I was just walking around the room with excitement as I replied to the messages. The feeling was special.
Since that day, have you been able to sleep normally and go through your daily activities without having to think too much about it?
On that particular day, I couldn’t sleep until 1am, but since then I haven’t been thinking too much about it because I have league games to attend to and things must be taken one at a time.
Just about a year ago, you were in the U-23 team as well. How was the experience?
That experience was amazing and being the first time I was called to represent Nigeria, it’s unforgettable.
You were singled out for your excellent performance for the U-23 team, any regrets not qualifying for the African tournament leading to the Olympics?
It’s a big regret, I must tell you. Everyone wants to play at the Olympics as it’s a lifetime opportunity, especially for footballers. If you are older than 23, you stand no chance, because the over-aged players that would be invited to join the team are usually from the senior national team. So, I wasn’t happy that we couldn’t make it.
At the U-23 camp, you showed pictures you took with some Super Eagles players who were training in Abuja as well then. How excited are you, knowing that you will be sharing a dressing room with them soon?
Honestly, I didn’t think my invitation to the Super Eagles was going to be this soon. When I met the likes of (Victor) Osimhen, (Alex) Iwobi and others in Abuja last year, I was just wishing I would be in the national team like them one day. I didn’t imagine we would be training together this soon. It was cool being around those great guys. That feeling makes me feel more excited and at the same time it keeps me cool and focused on my game.
Reflecting on your journey, what are the situations that prepared you for breakthroughs like this in order to fulfill your dream of playing for Nigeria?
Looking back, I will say it again that it’s a dream come true for me to have come this far and it’s just the start. I’ve always wanted to become a footballer and watching the national team on TV as a child till now has always been a motivation. There is a little bit of luck in life but as an individual who is seeking opportunities, I have trained hard and tried to improve with every game when given the opportunity. Starting from the street of Ogbe in Benin City, it wasn’t easy, but all the same, hard work pays. Having good people around you also matters a lot and I thank my family for the mentoring and encouragement. Above all, I’m grateful to God for granting me this big opportunity.
Last September, there were rumors that you had joined a fourth-level club in Spain called Lleida Esportiu. How did that connection come about?
I was surprised by the news as well. I had no intention of leaving the NPFL to play in the fourth division. When the offer from Tanzania came, I made a well-considered decision to leave, unlike the previous rumor about me leaving Insurance, a club that I had a lot of respect for.
You recently made a move from Bendel Insurance to Ihefu Sports Club in Tanzania. How do you think your time in the NPFL helped you in achieving your goal of making it into the Super Eagles?
Playing in the NPFL is very challenging and demands strong mental focus. Our first season in the NPFL after gaining promotion at Bendel Insurance gained a lot of attention and being consistently active in the league opened up opportunities. We achieved an unbeaten record of 21 games in the league and garnered a lot of interest. The NPFL is undoubtedly one of the best leagues in Africa, and I am grateful to the NPFL board and the NFF for enhancing the league and providing me with the opportunity to showcase the talent of NPFL players to the world.
You have also been a crucial player for your new club. Do you think your national team call-up is a result of moving abroad?
No, playing six games in Tanzania is not sufficient to earn a national team call-up. The technical department must have been observing me from my time in the NPFL and also when I was in the U-23 — it all began in the NPFL.
There are seven other defenders in the squad for the friendlies. What are you looking forward to?
Those are seven great players and seven experienced individuals to learn from. I am excited to gain new insights into playing from these players and to work on improving my own game, leaving the rest to the coaches.
How do you view your chances of getting some playing time in the friendlies?
These are friendly matches and the coaches have specific objectives for them, so if I am called up for some playing time, it's my responsibility to give my best. I understand that I need to put in the effort during training to justify my inclusion. Beyond these matches, I aim to remain with the squad for upcoming games, and I recognize the importance of consistent effort in training and during my club performances.
Upon arriving at the camp, who will be the first person you plan to video call?
Not a particular individual, but I intend to video call my family, as well as Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and Osarenkhoe Imade.
What was your upbringing like?
My father is from Kaduna, my mother is from Jos, and I was born and raised in Benin City. As a result, I can understand Hausa although I am not fluent, and I also understand the Edo dialect.
What are some of the accomplishments in your career that you take pride in?
Reaching my current position is a major achievement for a young player like me. Additionally, leading Bendel Insurance from relegation to surprising other prominent clubs in the NPFL and winning the Federation Cup after approximately 43 years for the club are significant accomplishments. Participating in the CAF Confederation Cup is also noteworthy. Now, as I transition from being a U-23 player to the senior national team, I hope to achieve more for Nigeria in the near future, and that is my aspiration.
