Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has dropped a big hint about Daniel Akpeyi retaining his spot as the number one goalkeeper of Nigeria when they play their next game.
Akpeyi was roundly blamed for the goals Nigeria conceded in the 0-2 loss to South Africa in the AFCON 2019 Qualifiers game decided at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo yesterday.
Rohr absolved the goalkeeper of any direct blame for the goals the team conceded, but hinted he will drop him for the next game against Cameroon where he will be hoping to have regular first choice Carl Ikeme fit.
“It is not my style to criticize a player in public. First, I will speak with the player,” said Rohr.
“It was a difficult game for him because he didn’t have so much work in the first half except for one or two situations. These kind of games are very difficult for a goalkeeper but it’s not the fault of the goalkeeper,” he added.
“For the next game, Carl will be back from his injury and then we’ll see.
“I trust in these players because they played so well in the first half. There is no excuses for the missing players.
“But the spirit and the game they played for one hour, I was satisfied. We win and we lose together.
“For the next game against Cameroon, we will be much better,” said Rohr.
Ade Emmanuel
