Former Flying Eagles defender Akeem Latifu, has noted that his career with the Super Eagles isn’t over as he looks forward to getting an invitation soon under Manager Gernot Rhor.
The Norwegian based defender made his debut for the Super Eagles five years ago under late Manager Stephen Keshi in a game against the Cranes of Uganda in Uyo and his hopeful that he might get another call up soon.
While reacting to questions from journalists on a popular Nigerian Whatsapp Sports Group, Family United By Football (FUBF) on Friday evening, the Mjøndalen right full back thinks he has done enough to attract the attention of the National team handlers and will not rest on his oars until he achieves his long-time ambition of returning back to the Super Eagles.
“We have a lot of talented players in and out of the country, which makes it difficult for some people to get into the National team. I play from the right full back and also understand that we have good players in that position presently.
“But the truth is that there is enough space for other players to come in, to showcase what they have before a major competition and if given the chance again, am sure I can do very well and justify my inclusion,” the former Sogndal FC player told FUBF.
“I’m hoping, but at the same time, am keeping my head high and working very hard at club level, which of course is one of the criterion to get a national team call up.”
The former Alanyaspor of Turkey defender also told FUBF how former Flying Eagles Coaches Ladan Bosso and Musa Abdullah both had positive impacts in his career while growing up.
“They both did a lot in my career, I must confess. Though many coaches have had impact in my career as a footballer, but those two really made me better and opened my eyes to alot of things in football.”
However, Latifu who starred for ten different clubsides in four countries since leaving Akwa Utd in 2010 revealed that, hailed the former Secretary General of the then Nigeria Football Association, late Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi for the rare opportunity extended to him.
“My team, Bussdor had a friendly game in Ibadan and I remember some NFA officials were on ground, It was Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi who noticed my versatility and ordered me to join the Flying Eagles.
“I proved my worth at the FIFA goal project and I was lucky to be in Canada, it was a fantastic memory for me. It was a big thing for me signing my first contract in Norway and I will forever be grateful to great football icon late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi whose efforts shot me into limelight,” the State of Osun born defender concluded.
Akeem Latifu began his career with Bussdor FC before he was snapped up by Ocean boys in 2009, in 2010 he joined NPFL side Akwa United before jetting out abroad to join Norwegian side Aalesund.
He has since played professional football in Ukraine, Romania, Turkey, Hungary and now back to Norway with Mjøndalen.
He was part of the Nigeria National Under-20 Football team at the 2007 FIFA-U20 World Cup in Canada.