By Kayode John
Nigeria defender, Benjamin Tanimu, says his target is to help third-tier Crawley Town FC secure promotion to the English Championship at the end of the season.
Tanimu joined the League One club from Tanzanian outfit, Singida Black Stars, on transfer deadline day in August on a three-year contract.
The Super Eagles defender recently linked up with his new teammates after a delay caused by issues surrounding his visa and was officially unveiled on Monday.
“I’m very, very happy to be here because when playing at a very young age, we all watched England Premier League, so coming to England is a big start for me, so I’m very, very happy to join Crawley Town,” he said in an interview posted to the club’s Facebook page on Monday.
“It is a very big opportunity for me because I’m here to show what I have as an individual, I’m also here to help Crawley Town gain promotion to the highest league, so, I’m very happy.
“The move came as a shock because I wasn’t expecting to come to England. I had offers from most African countries, hearing that Crawley need my assistance, so I said ‘why not?’ I jumped in. Cool.”
The 22-year-old said he is looking forward to the experience.
“I’m joining a new family; I will do my best for the fans to love me to be one of them. It will be a very exciting prospect. I like it,” he said.
Tanimu played for Bendel Insurance for four years before moving to Tanzania last year.
Despite playing in Tanzania, the centre-back has been regularly included in Super Eagles squads for recent matches.
