Coach Oluyori hails Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani heroic as Nigeria reach WAFU-B final, highlights Ilorin's goalkeeping legacy

Coach Oluyori hails Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani heroic as Nigeria reach WAFU-B final, highlights Ilorin's goalkeeping legacy


Coach Solomon Oluyori vv  has celebrated the outstanding performance of after the young goalkeeper emerged as the hero in Nigeria's dramatic qualification for the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Lawani produced a match-winning display by saving two penalties as the Flying Eagles defeated Côte d'Ivoire 4-2 in the shootout after both sides had settled for a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Currently in attending an advanced coaching course involving both theoretical and practical sessions with various clubs, Coach Oluyori said Lawani's heroics came as no surprise, having watched the goalkeeper grow from a promising youngster into one of the country's brightest prospects.


Born and raised in Ilorin to parents based in the Kwara State capital, Lawani began his football journey at Delmerk Football Club, owned by former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Dele Aiyenugba where Coach Oluyori, who has built a reputation as one of Nigeria's foremost goalkeeper developers serves as Head Coach.

Over the past one and a half decades, Oluyori has played a key role in producing several national team goalkeepers, including Daniel Aiyenugba, Elizabeth Boniface of the Falconets, Soliu Ajia, and many others.

Speaking after Lawani's heroics, Oluyori described the youngster's performance as historic and a testament to years of hard work, discipline and proper development.

"I am extremely proud of Clinton. Saving two penalties in such a crucial match shows courage, confidence and excellent preparation. Watching him help Nigeria reach the final is a special moment for everyone who has been part of his journey," he said.

The coach also pointed to Ilorin's growing reputation as one of Nigeria's leading centres for producing top-class goalkeepers. According to him, the city has produced more than five goalkeepers who have represented the country at different levels.

Among them are Kazim Yekini, Jonah Usman, Detan Ogundare, Saheed Jimoh, Soliu Ajia and now Clinton Lawani on the men's side, while Elizabeth Boniface has proudly represented Nigeria with the Falconets.

Remarkably, Ilorin-born goalkeepers have featured in each of Nigeria's last three U-20 continental campaigns, with Saheed Jimoh, Soliu Ajia and now Clinton Lawani all earning places in successive Flying Eagles squads.

Oluyori noted that the achievements of Lawani and other Ilorin-bred goalkeepers reflect the quality of grassroots coaching in the city and expressed confidence that more talents will emerge in the coming years.

Lawani is reputed for winning the NNL Super 8 best goalkeeper award having helped Sporting Lagos secured promotion to the NPFL and also won the the NNL league.

Lawani's latest heroics have not only secured Nigeria a place in the WAFU-B final , but also a ticket to U20 AFCON. His performance also further strengthened Ilorin's growing status as one of the nation's most productive breeding grounds for elite goalkeepers.

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