Exclusive: Ikeme Remains Super Eagles No. 1 Goalkeeper – Agu

By Augustine Akhilomen

Ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia, Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Alloy Agu has thrown his weight behind the team's goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme despite reports of a possible recall of Vincent Enyeama to the squad.

The senior national team have been relying on Ikeme since making an impressive appearance in his debut match against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in 2015 under former boss, Sunday Oliseh.

Enyeama who is regarded as one of Nigeria's best goalkeepers, retired from the round leather game due to an unfriendly relationship with Oliseh. The former captain was in goal when Nigeria won their third Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and also part of the team that represented Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup where the team lost to France 2-0 in the round of 16.

Although there have been rumours that technical adviser of the team, Genort Rohr plans to convince the Lille man to return to the team in a bid to beef up the goalkeeping department, however, Agu told Soccernet.com.ng that Ikeme still remains the choice of the technical crew ahead of the their World Cup qualifying clash against Zambia in Lusaka on October 9.

“There is no argument that Vincent Enyeama is a quality goalkeeper anytime and anyday. During his time with the team he was always at his best. However, our attention is focused on Carl Ikeme who has done a good job since the retirement of Enyeama,” Agu told Soccernet.com.ng.

“It will be unfair to start comparing the two goalkeepers because I don't think that's necessary. What's paramount at this level is that Ikeme still remains the safest hands of the Super Eagles and I can assure you that barring any unforeseen circumstances, he'll be in goal against Zambia in the World Cup qualifier on October 9.”