Eagles pray for Ikeme’s quick return

If some members of the Super Eagles had their way, Daniel Akpeyi will never be in goal for Nigeria again after his performance on Saturday.

The players roundly blamed the South Africa-based goalkeeper for the two goals and the near misses recorded by the Bafana Bafana in the game that ended 0-2 against Nigeria. And now Coach 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.

Although Rohr absolved the goalkeeper of any direct blame for the goals the team conceded, he is relieved that first choice goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme will be ready before the games against Cameroun.

“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.