In this report, IDRIS ADESINA takes a look at the goalkeepers who could replace Carl Ikeme, the first choice who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia, as the 2018 World Cup qualifiers versus Cameroon loom
Former Nigeria goalkeepers hold different opinions over the suitable choice of goalkeeper for the Super Eagles ahead of the crucial Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon, after first choice Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July.
Coach Gernot Rohr had used Chippa United safe hands Daniel Akpeyi in between the sticks for the 2019 AFCON qualifier against South Africa in Uyo on June 10 but the former Heartland keeper has come under criticisms for a below-par performance that earned Bafana Bafana a 2-0 win in Uyo, their first-ever competitive victory over the Eagles.
The situation has thus thrown open the position and former keepers, Joe Erico, Joseph Dosu and Ike Shorunmu, who spoke with our correspondent, advised that the coach should ensure that he picks a keeper on current form.
Erico believes that the keepers in the domestic league are good enough to stop the Cameroonians.
He said, “Nigeria has never been short of goalkeepers. If you are to go over the decades to select the greatest Nigerian keeper of all time, it will be quite a difficult task because of the quality of keepers produced over the years. From Best Ogedegbe to Ikeme, the country has never been in short supply of good keepers.
“Rohr has the complement of goalkeeper trainers – local and foreign – they should look at all possible options in the league and go for the best of them. The home-based keepers are enduring one of the toughest leagues in the world and they still turn out well. But if he believes he still wants to stick with Akpeyi then his weaknesses should be worked on before the match.”
Recently, Rohr reiterated his wish to bring back former number one Vincent Enyeama, who quit the national team after a spat with ex-coach Sunday Oliseh two years ago.
But Atlanta ’96 gold medallist Dosu feels Enyeama’s return to the squad could deprive the younger keepers the opportunity to prove themselves.
“Since Enyeama has said he doesn’t want to represent the national team any longer, he should be left alone. There are many other keepers that can do the job well. A keeper was sacrificed for Enyeama to prove himself – same should be accorded the other young ones,” he said.
“There are various options in the local league and from the pool he (Rohr) invited recently, he should stick with one and work on his weaknesses to ensure that Nigeria come out tops against Cameroon.”
Shorunmu said, “The decision to field a keeper or any player rests with the technical crew but I believe he (Rohr) should go for a keeper he has confidence in. If he believes Akpeyi or Ezenwa can do the job, then he should stick with them. But if he doesn’t trust them enough, he should look for alternatives and get familiar with them on time for the match.
“The game is important and the absence of a keeper should be the least of the coach’s problems. There are various options available to him. He should simply invite them and test them after watching their clips.”
Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba)
Enyimba first choice Afelokhai is an experienced campaigner on the local scene. Before joining the People’s Elephant last season, he spent most of his career at former Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Kano Pillars. Although he has yet to man the posts for Nigeria in any competitive game, Afelokhai has been in and out of the Eagles – mostly being called up to the home-based Eagles. He is currently one of the keepers in the Eagles ahead of the 2018 Championship of African Nations. With a good command of his backline, the 29-year-old has put up an impressive performance for Enyimba this season.
Dele Ajiboye (Plateau United)
Favourites for the domestic league title, Plateau United sit atop the NPFL log majorly due to the heroics of former junior international Ajiboye. He has been consistent in goal for the Jos-based side conceding only 21 goals with four matches to the end of the season. Ajiboye has some international experience, after helping Nigeria win the 2007 U-17 World Cup in Korea. He was also part of the Flying Eagles to the 2009 African Youth Championship in Rwanda as well as the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt. The 27-year-old was also in the national U-23 team for the 2012 Olympics and All Africa Games qualifiers but he has yet to be called up to the Eagles.
Ikechuwu Ezenwa (IfeanyiUbah)
Since the arrival of Rohr, FC IfeanyiUbah first choice Ezenwa has been a regular feature in the Eagles. He has been the only home-based player called-up by Rohr till the recent friendly matches against Corsica in France. The 28-year-old was a former Flying Eagles keeper and was at the 2008 Olympics as second-choice to Ambrose Vanzekin. Ezenwa has a good command and presence in his goal area. He has a good communication with his defenders and also possesses a good positioning in goal. He was first invited to the Eagles in 2015 and is currently the first choice goalkeeper for the home-based Eagles.
Joshua Enaholo (Abia Warriors)
Enaholo was the first choice goalkeeper for Nigeria at the 2015 U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. The 21-year-old is noted for his sharp reflexes and good ball judgement as well as good decision in one-on-one situations. The former MFM goalkeeper joined former NPFL champions Enyimba after the tournament but found playing time limited. He is currently with Abia Warriors although he has yet to play a competitive match for the Umuahia side.
Emmanuel Daniel (Orlando Pirates)
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Daniel was a member of the bronze-medal winning U-23 team at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The former Enugu Rangers keeper was crucial in the team’s matches at the competition and left Rangers for Pirates in February. Daniel’s composure in one-on-one situations makes him one of the country’s best keepers. He also has a good communication with his defenders while possessing good reflexes. At 5ft7in, Daniel is not the tallest of keepers but what he lacks in height he makes up with a good aerial presence.
Sunday Rotimi (Rivers United)
A veteran of the NPFL, Rivers United first choice Rotimi had stints in Israel between 2005 and 2008. The defunct Dolphins goalkeeper has been in and out of the Eagles but the 37-year-old could only boast five appearances at various times. Rotimi was pivotal as newly-formed Rivers United missed out on the League title in 2016. He also helped the club in their campaign in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, where they exited at the group stages. Rotimi possesses a good command of his goal area and also a good sense of ball judgment. He made his Eagles debut in an AFCON qualifier against Namibia in Windhoek in 2001 when he substituted injured Austin Ejide.
Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United)
Chippa United keeper Akpeyi has been a regular feature in the Eagles but despite his good reflexes, the 31-year-old has often been criticised for failing to communicate well with his defenders and also for his lack of good aerial judgment. He was second choice to Daniel at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The former Warri Wolves keeper has been in fine form for South African side Chippa United in the Premier Soccer League, and has drawn praises from coach Dan Masela.
Dele Alampasu (SC Feirense)
Feirense keeper Alampasu was in goal as Nigeria won the 2013 U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, where he was adjudged the best keeper of the tournament. He was the second choice to Joshua Enaholo at the 2015 U-20 World Cup and also a member of the 2014 CHAN team that won a bronze medal in South Africa. With a lack of regular playing time, Alampasu found it difficult to get a call-up to the Eagles until recently when he was called up as a back-up for Akpeyi.
Akpan Bassey (Enugu Rangers)
Bassey is a member of the U-17 team that lost to France in the final of the 2001 U-17 World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago. He was drafted in as a stop-gap measure when Enugu Rangers had an injury-induced goalkeeping crisis last season. Bassey, who has played in South Africa and Vietnam, has also played for Shooting Stars, Bayelsa United, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Heartland, Abia Warriors and Akwa United. The 33-year-old was once a regular national team invitee. He made his full senior debut on March 3, 2010 as a late substitute in the 5-2 win over DR Congo.
Vincent Enyeama (Lille)
Former Nigeria captain Enyeama has been in good form for French club Lille in recent years. But the country’s most capped footballer quit the national team in 2015 in controversial circumstances after a clash with Oliseh. There has however been series of debate over his return to the national team under Rohr after the Eagles experienced a goalkeeping crisis. Rohr on Monday said he was optimistic Enyeama would return to the Eagles but admitted it might not be in time for the Cameroon games. Currently injured and with his future at Lille in doubt, Rohr said he was sure that the 33-year-old would return to the Eagles immediately he is fit to play.
Femi Thomas (Rivers United)
Rivers United’s second choice Thomas is one of the most experienced keepers in the domestic league. The former Kano Pillars and Enyimba keeper is a member of the 2016 CHAN team. He is good in one-on-one situations and also has a good control of his defence.
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