Flying Eagles goalkeeper to the 2015 U-20 World Cup, Joshua Enaholo, recently joined giants Enyimba from National League side MFM. He tells ’TANA AIYEJINA about his childhood and football career in this interview
Congratulations on your recent move to Enyimba. Can you compete against a more experienced goalkeepers like Femi Thomas, Moses Ocheje and others at the People’s Elephant?
Of course why not? It’s what I love doing best and I wouldn’t have come to Enyimba if I didn’t think I could earn a place in the team. There is a healthy rivalry for competition in the team and I’m happy with the atmosphere in Aba. The fans have shown me their support and I will give my best when I get the chance.
Do you think Enyimba can win the league this season?
Yes, we can still win the league and do better continentally with the calibre of players and coaches in the squad. Playing with the experienced players in the team has made me a better player.
Your former club, Mountain of Fire and Miracles FC, are on the brink of qualification to the Premier League. What is your message to them?
They can do it. They are a bunch of talented players; I believe in their ability. They are one united family. I enjoyed my time there with them.
How did MFM help in building your career?
It did a great deal in making me who I am today. They are a very good and youthful team. They help develop young footballers to become better professional players. I’m happy and proud to have passed through the team.
As a club owned by the church, do they engage in spirituality to win games?
There is nothing like spirituality. MFM play good football. We pray but God won’t come down and play your football for you. Once you pray, you go onto the pitch and give your best.
You were at the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. What was the experience like?
Playing at the World Cup was fun and I enjoyed competing at that level for the first time.
You did very well at the African Youth Championship but in the opening game at the U-20 World Cup, you conceded four goals against Brazil. What happened that day?
I felt really bad. Honestly, I didn’t know what happened in that first game but I still give God the glory for everything.
You conceded just one goal in the team’s next three games. What led to the turnaround?
After the match against Brazil, I went back to camp and pushed myself. I said some prayers and called on God to help me. That is how I bounced back again.
Were you devastated after the Flying Eagles lost to Germany 1-0 in the second round?
I felt very bad and disappointed that we lost out at such an early stage of the tournament. The weather was very harsh and we couldn’t even talk to ourselves. But we give God the glory. But I was myself. I take every game as it comes. I always try to think before any game, on how to help the team. That day, I said, ‘God, you are behind me, let me come out in flying colours.’ And it happened, even though we lost the match.
The Flying Eagles trained in Germany and there are feelers that the Germans may have spied on the team while in their country…
I think so too. We played Hoffenheim U-23, Freiburg and Nurmberg. I guess they went back to these teams to watch our games (on video) and study our pattern.
You seem to be very prayerful…
Yes, aside having played for the MFM team, I also attend the church and it’s made me a better person. I’m a prayer warrior because God answers prayers.
Your emergence as the first choice came as a big surprise because Dele Alampasu and Olorunleke Ojo were tipped to pick the goalkeepers first choice slot. How did you make it?
It was due to hard work, training and determination. I was trained for every pressure that comes my way, so there was no fear. Dele Alampasu, Olorunleke Ojo and Adamu Abubakar were the other keepers in camp and they are very good. But belief in God and determination gave me the number one jersey. I told myself that this is what I want. I come from a poor background and I had to do something to make my family proud and push our name forward. So, I was fully focused on achieving that aim and I thank God that it came to pass.
You say you are from a poor family. Were you able to eat three meals daily while growing up?
It was not that bad but being the third child of the family, I had to struggle and struggle to get where I am today. I thank Godwin Enakhena for helping me; he has been instrumental to where I am today.
Having played at the AYC and FIFA U-20 World Cup, what are your next plans as a goalkeeper?
I don’t think I have achieved anything yet. I am just starting and I believe the sky is my limit. I am still going to get to the height of my football career but I need to work harder.
Why did you decide to become a keeper, a position seen as very difficult?
I believe in myself and I don’t listen to what people say. My kind of goalkeeping is different from others and that is why I chose to become a keeper. I’m not afraid of challenges. I look forward to meeting the best strikers always because it will make me a better keeper.
Who is your role model goalkeeper?
I will choose Vincent Enyeama at national team level. I have always looked up to him since I started keeping. I love Enyeama because of his composure in between the sticks; he is always calm and knows how to coordinate his defence. Internationally, it’s Iker Casillas, the ex-Real Madrid keeper now at FC Porto. Casillas is very good in one-on-one situations and that helped Spain in the final of the 2010 World Cup.
Having played at the U-20 World Cup, how would you rate Nigerian strikers against their counterparts from other parts of the world?
When it comes to dangerous strikers, I pick Taiwo Awoniyi. The guy is so good and poses a threat to any goalkeeper. I think Nigerian strikers rank on the same level with their mates from Europe and other parts. Awoniyi for instance, can measure up against any striker of his age.
Did your parents support your decision to play football?
They did not. I was forced to go to school; I never liked going to school. I remember once when my father was taking me to school; I jumped down from his car and went back to the field to play football. They punished me for playing football. I had to go on my knees and stretch out my hands and it was really painful but it didn’t stop me from playing the game I love.
How did they feel when you were first invited to the national camp?
I can’t really express the family’s joy. They are so excited even till this moment. Despite our defeat to Germany in New Zealand, they are still very happy because their son brought the family to limelight. Thank God the name Enaholo is now known worldwide.
Do you remember when you first played for Nigeria?
It was a friendly game against Benin Republic in Cotonou. I was very happy and I knelt down and said, ‘God, this is the opportunity I have been looking for and I thank You for making it happen.’
Who is the most dangerous striker you played against?
It’s Taiwo Awoniyi, he is so deadly. You can never tell what he is going to do the next moment. The world should watch out for him very soon.
What about the best defender you played behind?
It’s Wilfred Ndidi, who plays for Genk in Belgium. He is a fantastic defender. I believe in him. Whenever I see him and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi in the line-up, I’m always relaxed; that nothing can happen.
What’s your message to your fans?
I want to appeal to them to be patient. I pray to work harder and do even better when I am invited to the national team in the future.
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