Former Super Eagles goalkeepers Joe Erico and Ike Shorunmu have backed Eagles coach Gernot Rohr’s choice of Chippa United goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi for the Russia 2018 World Cup despite criticism.
The 2016 Olympic bronze medallist has been included in the 28-man list released by Rohr for the friendly matches against Poland in Wroclaw on March 23 and Serbia in London on March 2.
“Akpeyi was a bit unfortunate in our only defeat against South Africa. But he is working hard, he is fighting and he has a chance to be part of our World Cup squad,” Rohr was quoted as saying by allnigeriasoccer.com.
Reacting, 1976 AFCON bronze medallist Erico told our Punch that Akpeyi has more time to improve before the World Cup, adding that more matches would help him attain the required confidence and composure.
“The team currently has three goalkeepers, who I believe have the opportunity to prove themselves before the World Cup begins. What we should be talking about now is who among the three should be the regular first-choice before the Eagles’ first match at the World Cup,” he said.
“Akpeyi has faced a lot of criticism from Nigerians due to his mistakes but the coach is right to stick with him and call him for the friendly matches. Ikechukwu Ezenwa has also done enough to merit a stay on the team to the World Cup.
“Both Akpeyi and Ezenwa were in goal when it became evident that Carl Ikeme would not make the team again due to his illness. The other keeper invited during the qualifiers (Dele Alampasu) is not active in his club, which gave the room for Francis Uzoho to come in.
“Akpeyi only needs to get himself together psychologically and he will do well for the Eagles and become Nigerians’ darling again. If he can keep seven clean sheets for his club in 16 matches, then he is not a bad goalkeeper. The coaches only need to work on what is affecting him anytime he comes to the Eagles. I believe that he is good enough to make the World Cup team.”
Former Shooting Stars goalkeeper Shorunmu, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, said Akpeyi could make the World Cup squad if the coach finds him good enough.
He said, “It is good for a coach to have confidence in his players. Rohr is confident that Akpeyi can do the job in Russia, so he is good enough for the team. Every goalkeeper has his good and bad days.
“Even the best keepers in the world do have days that they fail to do everything right in goal. So, that Akpeyi makes errors in goal doesn’t mean he’s totally a bad goalkeeper. His coach (Rohr) has come out to say the keeper can improve before the World Cup and that should show that he has confidence in him, which is good for the psyche of the keeper.
“The World Cup is less than 100 days away and the Eagles still have four more friendlies to play. Anything can happen before the World Cup but we only pray for good things so that our players can give their best in Russia.
“Ajiboye still has a chance to make the team but he needs not be discouraged that he was left out of the first two friendlies. He should focus on his form and ensure he is consistent at his club and the coach can bring him in when the time calls for it.”
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