Super Eagles Begin Search For New Goalkeepers

Super Eagles Goalkeeper Coach, Alloy Agu has revealed that there are efforts to bring in new goalkeepers by scouting “both home and abroad” to bolster the team, reports footballlive.ng.

Addressing questions on Nigeria’s challenge with finding a formidable goaltender since the exit of Carl Ikeme and the inconsistency with the three goalkeepers selected for the AFCON 2019, Agu said: “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,” Agu said.

“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.”

On the goal that sunk Nigeria at the semifinals of the just concluded African Cup of Nations, Agu said it would be “consciously” brought to the goalkeepers’ awareness on how best to take charge in free-kick situations.

With the score tied at 1-1, Akpeyi was beaten by Riyad Mahrez, the goalkeeper was standing behind the wall, gifting the Algerian dead-ball specialist a lot of room to pick his spot and curl it past the wall.

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.” He said.