'He has the head' - Nigerians compare 19-year-old to Eagles icon Enyeama, Nwabali as heroic clean sheet helps Bayelsa United shock 3SC

Bayelsa United’s 19-year-old goalkeeper Clinton Andy has quickly become the talk of the Nigerian football scene following his remarkable performance in the NPFL season opener.

As reported by the club on social media, his clean sheet was instrumental in Bayelsa United’s surprise 1-0 away victory over Shooting Stars (3SC) in Ibadan, a result that sent shockwaves through the league.

Andy was the hero of the match, producing a string of breathtaking saves that kept the Oluyole Boys at bay.

While Kehinde Lawal’s 29th-minute header secured the win and three precious points, it was Andy’s commanding presence between the sticks that truly stole the show.

Just five minutes before the goal, he denied 3SC with a one-handed stunning save, and later in the second half, he made a remarkable double save inside the 18-yard box, thwarting any hope the hosts had of leveling the match.

In total, the youngster made five crucial saves, showing not just his shotstopping ability but also composure and skill on the ball well beyond his years.

The teenage shot-stopper, hailed by many as the latest Nigerian goalkeeping sensation after the recent rise of 15-year-old Super Eagles goalkeeper Ebenzer Harcourt, sparked a wave of praise on social media.

Nigerian fans humourously compared Clinton’s head to legendary figures like Vincent Enyeama and Stanley Nwabali.

One fan commented, “He has the head figure of a good goalie in Nigeria,” highlighting Ezekiel’s confident and commanding presence.

Another wrote passionately, “This talent must not be wasted. Those involved must make sure he goes through the U-20, U-21, and U-23 national teams,” emphasizing the need to nurture his potential carefully.

A Shooting Stars supporter begrudgingly admitted, “As a Shooting Sc fan, this guy really stopped us from scoring yesterday. His saves were superb; he commanded the box very well, and it’s obvious he’s just 19 with his baby face. I hope the Super Eagles scouts are tracking him closely for the future.”

Others reflected on the positive trend of emerging young goalkeepers in the domestic league, with one fan noting, “Another young GK in the NPFL? Seems we’re producing young players in other positions except the creativity role we need so much in the Super Eagles.”

Bayelsa United’s win, powered by Andy’s heroics, has clearly made an early statement this NPFL season.

Hopes are high that Clinton Andy could follow in the footsteps of the celebrated goalkeeping greats and become a future star for the Super Eagles.