Olympic medalist opens up on why he joined Gombe United
Former U23 goalkeeper, Emmanuel Daniel has asserted that he joined Gombe United despite overtures from other top clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League because of the influence of the Desert Scorpions head coach, Ladan Bosso who assured him that he would part of his programme.
He said even though he never got to play at all in South Africa after his failed transfer but pointed out that he kept on training very hard to ensure that he keeps fit and ready to roll at his next club when the opportunities come.
Daniel sharp reflexes were crucial in Gombe United’s goalless draw with Abia Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday and the goaltender disclosed to SportingLife that he decided to come back to the NPFL to reshape his career and opted to go to Gombe where he would be loved and appreciated more.
“It is not about me it is about the team. I will still insist that we must thank God for everything for making it possible for us to secure an away point,” Daniel told SportingLife.
“I will say it was a team effort and it was the reason we appreciated one another after the game including those on the bench. We won’t allow that to get into our heads as we proceed to Damaturu for our next league game with Yobe Desert Stars.
“I left Enugu Rangers for South Africa and it was a new experience for me. I kept on training and trying to keep my level high even though I was not involved in competitive games so that if I am called upon to play I am not going to be found wanting. I thank God for today.
“Everything that happens happened for a reason I thank God for everything. I can achieve a lot with Gombe United and we shall continue to take our games one after the other. The truth is that you have to go to a club where you feel you will be comfortable and thecoach has given the assurances and the confidence I need to storm back to life again. He told me he needed me and I also want to work under
him. I feel it is a great privilege for me to play for a team like Gombe United.”