The young ‘keeper had a solid 90 minutes, and then produced 3 consecutive penalty saves in the shootout to earn Pompey a bonus point in the group stages.
Cowley was impressed, telling the Portsmouth website:
“I was so pleased for him. He’s a great kid and comes in every single day with the right attitude and work ethic.
“He’s got a big personality and also a brilliant mindset to drive not only his own performance, but also those around him.
“That’s not easy to do when you’re a young player who’s not playing regularly and it’s no surprise to me that he played the way he did.”
Whilst the additional point didn’t impact Pompey’s overall position in the group, it still begs the question, has Oluwayemi done enough to earn an opportunity in the League?
Josh Griffiths has been Pompey’s number 1 so far this season, and the West Brom loanee has had his fair share of critics.
The timing could, arguably, not be better for Oluwayemi as the Blues head to Hereford for an FA Cup tie on Friday night. A game that, surely, Oluwayemi will be starting providing the youngster with another opportunity to stake his claim for the number 1 spot.
In addition to his performances thus far, and the lack of faith in Griffiths, we must also consider that he is under contract with Portsmouth, not on loan. A run of games could be exactly what he needs to aid his development and ultimately become a big player for years to come.
The Fratton Faithful seem sold, with many tweeting that they want to see Oluwayemi between the sticks more often:
Oluwayemi impressed me not only the 3 pen saves but good handling commanded his area well and calm on the ball. Got a good keeper on our hands #pompey
— Forgotten Pompey Goals (@Pompey_Goals) November 1, 2022
Oluwayemi starts Friday for me #pompey
— Liam Howes (@djliamh) November 1, 2022
Thought Oluwayemi had a brilliant game tonight, perhaps give Griffiths a break from the criticism he’s been getting (unfairly) and see what Oluwayemi is like in the league.#Pompey #pompey
— Jordan Boxall (@JordanBoxall6) November 1, 2022
Time will tell, but no doubt there is some serious debate going on in Cowley’s office at the moment!
