Bazunu, Omobamidele Receive Rave Reviews With Ireland’s National Team

Republic of Ireland’s Nigerian-born duo of Gavin Bazunu and Andrew Omobamidele a basking in the euphoria of rave reviews trailing their recent outings with their adopted national team, as pundits from far and wide gloat over their amazing breakthrough in recent time.

Such is the reel of superlatives for Bazunu and Omobamidele, after the Irish squad’s coach, Stephen Kenny admitted he could not have expected so much from both teenagers, but admitted he is happy seeing them shine in Eire’s 2022 World Cup qualifier against Serbia.

Megasportsarena.com reports that Ireland, who were devastated to lose 2-1 in Portugal last Wednesday, after Cristiano Ronaldo scored two late goals to deny them a famous victory, left it late themselves this time, just as they had done to draw with Azerbaijan on Saturday.

Trailing to Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s 20th-minute header, they were level four minutes from time when the Serbia midfielder blasted an attempted clearance against team-mate Nikola Milenkovic and saw it ricochet into his own net.

Bazunu, who stopped Ronaldo’s first half penalty, before the Portuguese icon netted two late winners, pulled off a string of fine saves, several of them denying in-from Aleksandar Mitrovic the chance to add to his tally of seven goals from his sides first four Group A qualifiers.

The youngster, who is currently on loan from Manchester City at Portsmouth, was making his seventh appearance for Ireland, while Omobamidele, a defender with Norwich City, got only his second outing and first start.

One a day of thrills for Bazunu, his fellow 19-year-old rising star, Omobamidele turned in an assured display in defence and came close to snatching victory in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw in Dublin, much to the delight of their coach.

Kenny beamed with excitement, as he analysed the duo’s performances and said: “I couldn’t have predicted that Andrew and Gavin played as well as they did.

“Andrew was against Mitrovic and (Dusan) Vlahovic there, really physically powerful guys, but he just has another gear. He’s so quick and his composure.

“The two players, Andrew and Gavin, their composure is incredible. But it’s early days for them. Andrew has only played seven league games for Norwich.

“He had a great pre-season, played every minute in pre-season, and I know how highly they regard him there. They really do regard him highly, and he showed why.”

Former Ireland international, Paul McGrath added: “Andrew Omobamidele. Take a bow sir . Brilliant Display from this kid . The future looking a little brighter 🇮🇪☘️👍.”