Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has almost concluded his goalkeeping department ahead of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The German-born tactician handed invites to Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho for the warm-up ties with Poland and Serbia.
While the likes of Dele Alampasu and Dele Ajiboye were snubbed.
Rohr insists the ignored pair have had their chance in the past, hence may likely not make the trip to Russia.
“They had already their chance,” Rohr when asked by Goal about Ajiboye and Alampasu’s non-inclusion in the latest Eagles squad. “Remember that we have invited Dele.
“Dele was the second choice in the CHAN team, and it’d be surprising that he was No. 1 and [Ikechukwu] Ezenwa No. 2 in the Super Eagles.
“We must be logical in our choices.”
Plateau United’s Ajiboye came off the bench to replace injured captain Ezenwa early into the Eagles’ semi-final against Sudan and ensured it was the West Africans who met Morocco in the final after a series of outstanding blocks.
Alampasu had been another contender to come into the team, but his inactivity looks likely to cost him a World Cup berth. The keeper hasn’t featured for Feirense this term, and hasn’t played a competitive match since April 2017.
“Alampasu, unfortunately, is never playing,” added Rohr. “You cannot take a goalkeeper who is never playing.”
With Ajiboye and Alampasu overlooked, Ezenwa appears favourite to start between the sticks at the World Cup, with Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho his primary rivals.
“Uzoho made his debut for Nigeria against Argentina and did very well,” the coach continued. “He plays for the second team of [Deportivo] La Coruna; we could see him [at the World Cup].
“Ezenwa was injured but he is returning gradually and he’s played with the second team at his club already,” Rohr concluded. “We’ll see who will be the fittest.
“I think Uzoho, who did so well in the second half against Argentina, could add some more competition for us.”
Nigeria meet Poland in Warsaw on March 23 before meeting Serbia in London four days later.
The Super Eagles have been pitted against Argentina, Croatia and Iceland in their World Cup group.
