He was the goalkeeper who faced Lionel Messi and Argentina twice in the Under-21 World Youth Championship final in 2005 and in the Beijing Olympics soccer final in 2008. Twice on those occasions, Ambrose Vanzekin shone for Nigeria as he did throughout those tournaments even though Argentina won those finals.

But since the Beijing Olympics, Vanzekin (shown in photo) has been much away from the Nigerian national team, save a WAFU Cup triumph with the home-based Super Eagles.

News Express recently had a chat with the fair-skinned shot stopper at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City where he has been working hard to get back to top shape and sign a good deal with a club side to help him relaunch himself into the national team setup. Excerpts.

News Express: Ambrose, what are your plans for the new year? You’ve been training hard at the (Ogbemudia) stadium in the last couple of days.

Vanzekin: It’s been fun for me training. I see myself working hard to be a better person and making my family, myself and my fans proud. I’m still asking myself ‘Vanzekin, are you gonna play in the Nigerian League this season or you’re going out?’ I’m still contemplating that.

How much do you miss playing for the national team? There are people who think, especially now that Vincent Enyeama seems to be winding down his international career, that you can be his long-term replacement.

I miss the national team because I know that I’m supposed to be in the Super Eagles squad. But unfortunately I’m not there. However I still thank my God. I’m still working hard and hoping one day a coach would come who knows my worth. I’ve represented the national teams at different levels and I think I have made Nigeria proud and I think I’ve shown I deserve a chance with the Super Eagles. Today I’m not there. But the ones who are there, like Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim, are doing great and I wish them well.

Do you think it is more difficult for a goalkeeper to get foreign clubs than for outfield players?

Yes, it is. In a club a keeper can last for 10 to 12 years. While there are lots of spaces to fill in outfield players in a club, for keepers there are only a few. Clubs can have a couple of good keepers for years and won’t feel the need to replace them. But I believe that this time it will not be difficult for me and hopefully I will leave the country soon to play overseas. I will keep working hard and put it in God’s hands.

A couple of years ago you were in goal for Insurance of Benin where you won over many fans. Training here now, does it evoke positive memories for you and does it serve as a psychological boost for you?

Yes. I’m a son of the soil. I grew up in Kaduna but anytime I’m in Benin City training I always get that feeling that everybody here, including the ancestors, are supporting me to move forward in my football profession.

You have also been passing lots of instructions on goalkeeping to younger keepers here in Benin City. As an experienced goalie, when you look at the younger generation of Nigerian goalkeepers do you have hope that some good keepers are coming through?

Yea, there’s hope that good young keepers are coming up. Like you rightly observed, I have been advising a couple of younger keepers. I always want them to learn something. I tell them to watch the way I keep. Relax, watch my communication with my defenders. That’s the most important thing. To be a good goalkeeper you have to work hard. It’s not an easy job. You have to focus, you have to let many things go. I also advise young players to learn a handwork because there are no guarantees in football. One might pick up an injury and would have to rely in his handwork.

Update news