Super Eagles Goalkeeper Coach Explains Why Rohr Dropped Akpeyi, Uzoho For Algeria, Tunisia Friendlies

None of the Super Eagles’ three regular goalkeepers made the German tactician’s 25-man squad for the international friendly matches slated for next month, and a trainer in-the-know has offered the reasons behind that decision

Kaizer Chiefs’ Daniel Akpeyi, Katsina United’s Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and Apoel Nicosia’s Francis Uzoho were not called up for Nigeria national team’s engagement in October because of their inactivity in recent times, says Super Eagles goalkeeper coach Alloy Agu.

Rohr handed first-time invitations to former youth internationals Matthew Yakubu and Dele Alampasu while recalling Sparta Rotterdam’s Maduka Okoye.

Even Okoye, a somewhat familiar face in the senior team, made his debut last year and only played the last 27 minutes of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Brazil last October.

The introduction of these three youngsters means there is no room for Akpeyi, Uzoho, and Ezenwa, who took turns to man the post for the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament.

Akpeyi, though inspirational for Chiefs in the South African league, missed the last two games of the season due to concussion.

NPFL-based Ezenwa has been inactive since the coronavirus-induced lockdown. At the same time, Uzoho continues his rehabilitation from a lengthy injury layoff in Cyprus.

All these factors were considered when the national team handlers were drawing the list of invitees for the October friendlies, says Agu.

“In Europe, there have been competitions and games going on, while the NPFL is yet to commence due to coronavirus,” Agu told The PUNCH.

“Same with the Premier Soccer League in South Africa where Daniel Akpeyi plays, the league just ended.

“Uzoho as well is just returning to full fitness after a long injury lay off, and we are watching him. He still needs some time to get back into shape, and we are watching him.

“Definitely, he is still part of the team. Alampasu and Yakubu have been active for their respective teams, and that earned them places in the team.”

The Super Eagles have struggled to find a substantive number one goalkeeper since Carl Ikeme, and Vincent Enyeama exited the national team.