Coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr confirmed he has been given permission by the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) to engage former first choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme to help in the discovery of options in goal for the senior national team of Nigeria.
Francis Uzoho is presently the first choice shot stopper with the duo of Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi acting as second and third choice in goal respectively as seen even in their last three games.
Rohr is however still not satisfied and he has mandated Ikeme who was first choice goalkeeper before he was unfortunately diagnosed with Leukemia to help grow the pool available. Owngoalnigeria.com takes a look at some of the players he will run the rule on.
Arthur Okonkwo ( Arsenal) – The Arsenal shot stopper is still only 17 years old but such is his talent that he has already trained severally with the first team. An England youth international at U16 and 17 level. Ikeme will do well if he keeps an eye on him ahead of a possible invitation to the team as it will help Nigeria beat England to his services when push comes to shove.
Maduka Okoye ( Fortuna Dusseldorf) – 19 year old Okoye was spoken about in glowing terms by coach Gernot Rohr after a visit to Germany prior to the World Cup 2018 in Russia. Standing at an impressive height of 1.97m he is now firmly established as the third choice goalkeeper of the Bundesliga side. It represents a rapid rise from the U19 to the first team. A testament of his ability.
No doubt Okoye is another Ikeme will run the rule on ahead of his possible invitation to the team in the nearest future.
Sebastian Osigwe ( SC Kriens) – Many thought he was destined for big things when he first represented Nigeria at the 2013 U20 Toulon Youth Tournament. It has however taken the 24 year old a while to find his feet in Europe.
Last weekend he was voted the man of the match for his Swiss side in their 1-1 draw against Lausanne-Sport. The Swiss-Nigerian will no doubt get his chance soon as he has been mentioned severally by Rohr. Ikeme presently hold the ace to his call up base on his new designation.
David Nwolokor ( SKF Sered) – 22 year old Nwolokor has been around for a while and he is presently Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper in Europe in terms of appearances in top flight league. On loan from Rijeka he has so far made three appearances in the Slovakian League for his loan side and he is no doubt looking good to be invited if Ikeme considers him in his pool.
Mowiz Suleiman writes in from Kaduna State.
