Super Eagles goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo has revealed that he has yet to set foot in Sudan since joining the country’s top club, Al-Merrikh SC. Ojo, who was previously performing well at Enyimba of Aba, decided to advance his career by signing with Al-Merrikh on July 1, 2024.
In an interview with Naija News, Ojo, who played a crucial role in Enyimba’s 2022-2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title win, shared that he first met his new team in Tanzania for some friendly matches before traveling to Nigeria for the Value Jet Cup Pre-season tournament in Ikenne, Ogun state.
When asked to compare the Sudanese league with the NPFL, Ojo responded, “Well, the truth is that ever since I moved, I have not gotten to Sudan yet because I went to meet them in Tanzania. So, that was where we were before we came here. But all the same, with the way I have seen the team play, the Nigerian league is the league that made me who I am today. So, for now, I have not seen any league that is more than the one I am used to. Maybe when I start playing in their league, I will now know how to compare. The one that made me is still the best for now.”
Speaking about his experience with Al-Merrikh so far, the 28-year-old goalkeeper noted, “It has been good. Football is the same thing and the same process everywhere. So, there is no new thing. Everything has been fine since I moved there.”
Olorunleke Ojo has been actively involved with Al-Merrikh in the ongoing Value Jet Cup. He played in the club’s first game, which resulted in a win against Shooting Stars of Ibadan. In their second game against Ikorodu City FC, Ojo played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Sudanese goalkeeper Garas Kafi in the second half. Despite their efforts, Al-Merrikh suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ikorodu City FC.
The Sudanese team managed to bounce back in their last group stage game, defeating Remo Stars B Team 2-1 to finish top of Group A, one point ahead of second-placed Ikorodu City FC.
Regarding the tournament, Ojo praised the organizers, saying, “I am sure it is good. It is a tournament to at least prepare the teams, especially those on the continent, because this is the only avenue for them to test themselves and also see the players that will execute the matches and tournaments for them. So, it is a good thing. I just commend the organisers that everything has been moving on smoothly since the beginning of the tournament. So, I hope that it will keep going this way.”
When asked what his fans should expect from him, Ojo added, “They should always expect the best of me because this is my career. This is the only job I know I can do. I will keep giving my all, giving my best daily to ensure that I make them happy and to remain and stay positive towards me.”