Ikorodu City FC’s alternate goalkeeper, James Faith has recounted factors that led to him replacing the club’s first choice just seconds before kick-off against Rivers United.
Despite not being initially billed to start in goal, Faith went on to keep a clean sheet in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 10 fixture, and admitted afterwards that it was an amazing story.
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The ebullient shot-stopper told Sports247, “It was amazing because, at first, I was not the one to be in goal for the match. During the warm-up, my colleague had an injury, and he had to go out. That’s how I came in.
There was nothing else running through my mind than to go there and keep a clean sheet. Fortunately for me, I kept a clean sheet.”
He recalled that the incident before kick-off was part of a positive mindset that built up in him heading into the big match, which marked a change of fortune for Ikorodu City in their debut NPFL campaign.
“I never believed I would keep goal in this match but, as we went through preparations during the week, I knew something good would happen.
I was so positive about the match. Fortunately, I was featured in the game, and we went all out to win it. Kudos to my players and the management,” Faith eulogised.
He concluded with a look at the extra zeal his teammates exuded for last weekend’s match, which culminated in their shock victory over Rivers United; and expressed hope that they will do better against Katsina United next time out.
“We put in more effort for the first halfvand, for the second half, we put in extra effort to come out better and we won the game. Glory be to God.
It means a lot to me and the team. Now we are going to Katsina to play all out on Sunday. Hopefully, we’ll get a point there,” Faith enthused.
