U23 AFCON: My playing abilities are natural says Ibrahim Sunusi

Photograph by Modo Victor

Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham

The name Sunusi Ibrahim is not new to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) followers as he alongside Mfon Udoh won the 2019 Eunisell Golden boot.

10 goals with 6 assists from 19 games, the Nasarawa United winger announced himself to the world as he was quickly drafted into the Nigeria team for the U23 Afcon billed to be hosted by Egypt in November this year.

Sunusi impressed when he climbed off the bench in the first leg against the Sudanese in Omdurman as Nigeria lost by 1-0.

In a swift reaction, Coach Imama Amapakabo drafted the winger into the starting line up as he scored a goal with an assist as the Olympic team ran riot over their Sudanese counterparts.

Speaking after the game, Sunusi Ibrahim gave thanks to God for putting up such performance in his first start.

The forward believes he has what it takes to continue to produce such performances when the opportunity presents itself, as he is never under any pressure to perform.

'First of all I will like to thank the Almighty God for such a performance against a very good Sudan side,  it never came easy but with a goal and an assist I believe I am just starting,' he said.

'I was never under any pressure to perform when I was told that I will start because the rigidity of the NPFL has really toughened me and so the expectations to deliver are the same'

With 7 shots on target (7) and the most dribble against the Sudanese, he said football is a gift and not the result of hard work.

'My playing abilities are natural, so no any special training,' he concluded.