GSU Soccer Solidifies Defense with Three Recruits

UNIVERSITY PARK, IL — The Governors State men's soccer program secured its backline with the signing of three defenders to National Letters of Intent on Tuesday. The newest Jaguars are Oak Forest native Isaiah McManus and Nigerian Internationals Abidemi (Dami) Ilesanmi and Hussein Ninalowo.

An incoming freshman, McManus earned All-Area Second Team honors from The Daily Southtown this past fall after helping Oak Forest High School to eight shutouts. He also received All-South Suburban Conference and All-Sectional accolades for the Bengals, completing a four-year career on the varsity squad.

The son of Shirley and Brian McManus, Isaiah was a member of the Athletic Leadership Club at Oak Forest and plans to major in biology at GSU.

"We are excited about Isaiah's potential, he has fantastic natural ability in the air," said GSU Head Coach Matt Eggert, who subscribes to the theory that defense does win championships. "We expect Isaiah to grow into a complete player capable of excelling at the collegiate level."

Ilesanmi, who will have two years of eligibility, spent the past two seasons at Kennedy-King College, starting 19 of 27 games for the Statesmen. The 6-foot right fullback has a track background (sprints) and is a deft passer, two traits which shoud help with the Jaguars' transition game.

Born in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria, and the son of Funke Dairo, Dami will major in computer science. He speaks three languages: English, French and Yoruba

"Dami brings experience competing in a competitive junior college environment. He is a strong, physical defender that also looks to help build from the back," stated Eggert.

Ninalowo will be easily spotted on the pitch with his 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame and figures to cause havoc with 50-50 balls. Although he attended Illinois State and Harold Washington College, Ninalowo did not play soccer at either school, and as a result, will have four years of eligibility with the Orange and Black. He does have experience winning championships in soccer and basketball in West Africa.

The son of Jamiu and Abiodun Ninalowo, and a native of Lagos, Nigeria, Hussein plans to study information technology at GSU. He is the third Nigerian to earn a spot on the Jaguar roster.

"Hussein is a real diamond in the rough. A mountain of a presence in the air who's also comfortable with the ball at his feet. We expect him to really grow into his own here at GSU," said Eggert.