Super Eagles Coach Confirms Search For New Goalkeepers, Speaks On Akeyi’s Error
Super Eagles goalkeeper coach, Alloy Agu, has revealed that an extensive search for new keepers has begun.
Speaking with Football Live, Agu said they will scout “both home and abroad” to bolster the team.
“A lot of things have been said about that department and that department has also lived up to expectations. Before I took up the job of the Super Eagles, Enyeama was the fourth choice goalkeeper of the team.
“Enyeama became the first choice under my watch. He has a record since the inception of our World Cup campaign that none after him has been able to break until date.
“When Enyeama left the show, I brought in Carl Ikeme. Ikeme did so well for Nigeria that goalkeeping position was solidified until he fell sick, and I had to bring in the same Daniel Akpeyi.
“At one time we played against Algeria in the World Cup qualifiers, the same Akpeyi rescued us and we beat the Algerian team that was number one in Africa at the time.
“So, this is the situation, now we’re working and I can tell you categorically that I have embarked with the scouting team on a search within and outside Nigeria to make sure that we get reliable hands that can solidify that goalkeeping position in the Super Eagles,” Agu said.
He also spoke about the goal that saw Nigeria lose 2-1 to Algeria, in the semi-final of just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
With the score tied at 1-1, Akpeyi was beaten by Riyad Mahrez, with the goalkeeper was standing behind the wall, gifting the Algerian winger a lot of room to pick his spot.
“That error shouldn’t have happened and Agu is determined to eliminate the chances of that embarrassment reoccurring.
“In the near future when we have that kind of situation, what we need to do as we continue to advance is that you form your wall and ensure you’re in contact with the ball.
“Also you take your action the moment the ball is kicked, then you react because you can see where the ball is headed,” Agu added.
