Dele Aiyenugba has expressed delight after guiding Hapoel Ashkelon to make history by remaining in the Israeli top division for more than a season in the club's history.

Aiyenugba joined Hapoel Ashkelon from Bnei Yehuda and was impressive in goal as they escaped relegation to remain in the Premier League, having never enjoyed more than a season in their previous attempts.

The former Enyimba FC goalkeeper, who admitted that it was a difficult season for his adopted club, noted that Ashkelon gave him the opportunity to relaunch his career, and he was shortlisted as one of the best keepers of the season in Israel.

"I joined Hapoel Ashkelon for only one season, on a loan from Bnei Yehuda with a one year contract left.

''It was a very hard season for Ashkelon , most especially for me because all the media said we were going to go back to second league as Ashkelon never stayed a season in the Super League.

"But with grace of God and favor, God relaunched me back with Hapoel Ashkelon, we made history for staying in the league and I won lot of man of the match awards and I saved six penalties out 10 in the league," Aiyenugba  said.

The 33-year-old Aiyenugba debunked a rumor of his retirement from the national team noting that he's still fresh and ready to honor a call to play for Super Eagles anytime.

"Retirement? Says who? Because I've not been getting a call to come and play for (Super) Eagles does not mean I've retired from the national team.

''I'm ready anytime to honor the call to serve my country again, I believe I still got a lot to offer for my country, I'm fresh, in shape and fit," said Aiyenugba.

Wale Mustapha