Super Eagles' Goalkeeper Trainer Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Panic Over Ikeme’s Absence

 

Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer Alloy Agu insists the side can cope with the absence of injured goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying against Algeria on 12 November.

Ikeme is ruled out of the game after sustaining a hip injury during his club's away clash against Blackburn Rovers last weekend. Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has invited Chippa United of South Africa goalie Daniel Akpeyi as Ikeme's replacement. Akpeyi will battle two other goalkeepers, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu, for the goalkeeping spot against the North Africans.

Alloy said “It's sad that we won't have Carl in goal against Algeria but the good thing is that we have capable replacements for him, Ikechukwu, Dele and Daniel are quality goalkeepers too and any of them can take his place in the game. We are lucky to have all these quality goalkeepers at our disposal and I have no doubt anyone  picked will do a good job. Carl has set a good standard with his impressive performances and he was particularly outstanding against Zambia. Whoever is coming in know what is expected of him and will be ready to step up.”