Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr says Chippa United safe hands Daniel Akpeyi is still in his plans despite the sticks he received after Nigeria’s shock 0-2 loss to South Africa in the AFCON 2019 Qualifiers.
Rohr refused the lay the blame on the goalkeeper insisting that the blame should be shared by the entire team and not just the goalkeeper, as according to him he did very well in the game against Algeria, which was played before the South Africa game.
The coach said the recent appointment of a new trainer for the goalkeepers in Enrico Pionetti will no doubt help Akepyi and the entire team in solving the goalkeeper crisis rocking the team since first choice Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with Leukaemia.
He however said the Technical Crew are monitoring other goalkeepers as well, but he didn’t mention the names of goalkeepers he is taking a look at ahead of the clash against Cameroon in Uyo and Yaounde respectively.
“He (Akpeyi) did well against Algeria, it was difficult for him against South Africa but the reason why we lost the game was not entirely his fault. It was the fault of all the team and we have now a second goalkeeper coach from Europe to help us work on the goalkeeping position”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com
“We know we must work very hard in that position. He (Akpeyi) is among the goalkeepers who can be a solution to us but we are also monitoring other goalkeepers”.
Osas Mahawi
