In Hakeem Otuyiga, El-Kanemi Warriors have a highly experienced goalkeeper, and he has made an immediate impact since joining from relegated Akwa United.
Such is the confidence the technical bench has in him that he has started all two games of the new season, and he kept back-to-back clean sheets. Otuyiga has played a pivotal role in helping the Maiduguri side to secure valuable points early in the season.
On Matchday 1 against Bendel Insurance at home, Otuyiga was easily the fans’ favourite, with thousands chanting his name: “Hakeem! Hakeem!” His commanding presence and shot-stopping ability energized the crowd and inspired confidence in the team and they ran out 2-0 winners.
That outing was on Sunday followed with another brilliant outing in Lagos against Ikorodu City, pulling off a series of outstanding saves that were crucial in maintaining El-Kanemi’s unbeaten run.
It is such a performance that had the club’s media director, Aliyu ‘Gaga’ Mustapha suggesting that he would have made it to the Team of the Week list should such be compiled.
“His arrival, alongside Iddrisu Ibrahim, Francis Achem and Modu Milo, has brought added depth and a fierce competition to El-Kanemi Warriors’ goalkeeping department. It is a positive sign for the team’s ambitions this season,”, Aliyu wrote on a WhatsApp group platform.