Portugal-based winger Saviour Godwin may have played himself into reckoning with his consistency, goals and eye-catching performances for newly-promoted side Casa Pia to attract the attention of Super Eagles handlers. IKENWA NNABUOGOR reckons his Eagles time is nigh…
Saviour Godwin has what it takes to follow in Zaidu Sanusi’s footsteps and become the next Nigerian to make a name for himself in Portugal.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) August 21, 2022
Last week, he skinned Nicolás Otamendi, this week, he scores to secure a 2-0 win for Casa Pia vs Boavista. pic.twitter.com/KppRZNArNz
Former junior international Saviour Godwin may have been “saving” his better days for the Portuguese top flight with his newly-promoted side Casa Pia after his impressive performances thus far in the three-week-old Primera Liga and it appears he’s got more in his tank to thrill the fans.
The former KSV Roeselare of Belgium winger capped his all-action outing against top side Boavista with a goal in his side’s 2-0 home win last weekend to prove he could as well crack it in the top flight after spending the better part of his professional career in Europe playing in the second tier.
The stocky wing bomber busied the Boavista defence to no end, keeping them on their toes with commensurate tormenting, switching on both wings and putting the icing on the cake in the 67th minute after teammate Rafael Martins had put the newcomers ahead six minutes earlier, to cap a glorious evening.
Godwin has a date with consistency since he switched from the Belgian second division to yet another second-tier side in Portugal and has remained Casa Pia’s live wire in the attack, scoring and assisting goals.
The exciting winger brings power, skill, speed and goals on the wings for his newly-promoted side and when he’s not scoring, he’s assisting to keep opponents busy for 90 minutes.
What about showboating?
He’s got that in abundance, daring opponents with his positive, quick dribbles and freeing teammates for smart finishing.
Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, himself a Portuguese and a follower of the Primera Liga should be smiling he’s got a competent leg he will count on to add to his armada of talents to help him make Eagles super again.
Skeptical fans back home are still waiting to wield the stick or hail Peseiro as his predecessors have failed to lift Eagles and the Portuguese coach is expected to do everything to win the fans’ hearts again.
Fans believe the Portuguese got no excuse not to make the Eagles super again with the array of stars scattered everywhere to make his job easier.
Godwin will come at a time Egypt slayer at the last African Cup of Nations in Cameroon Simon Moses seems to have forgotten his magic wand and Villarreal star Samuel Chukwueze is not exactly making the fans smile again.
The wings can breathe again with Godwin on board as his quickness and skill could bring back the positives Eagles badly need.
Blessed with both feet just like Moses, Godwin switches wings at will with lightning speed, making it so difficult for opponents to pin down while his killer punches are too hard to handle.
He also knows his way to goal as well; he hit the double figures for the first time since he arrived Europe last season, helping his side win promotion with 10 goals.
He’s begun well this season playing the three games thus far and could be hitting the double figures once again when the season ends in May next year.
Godwin’s scoring record from the wings could even water the mouths of the best coaches in the world, but making goals for him will always appear a lot easier than sending keepers to retrieve the ball from the net.
Surely, Godwin is enjoying himself for his side and doing it with relish and will only complete his career wishes when Peseiro caps him a full international.
At 26, he would have wished he became a senior international much earlier, but his age is ripe enough for a chance.
His contract runs out next June and Casa Pia may become too small for him should he continue punishing his opponents from the wings, making and scoring goals, but he will need Peseiro and Eagles to fast track his progress.
Super Eagles will surely give him the expected exposure and international recognition, but he must have to work to earn Peseiro’s attention to grab the top challenges to advance his exciting career.
His chance with the Super Eagles after time with the Golden Eaglets, Flying Eagles and U23s may not be long to come.
