Nigeria Professional Football League [NPFL] goalkeepers have reacted and said they’re good enough to get a call up to the national team.
Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, recently revealed that his preferred goalkeepers were Sparta Rotterdam’s Maduka Okoye (first choice), while Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi would fill the second and third choice roles respectively.
Heartland goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa had been the only consistent NPFL player in the national team in recent years, but his time in the squad seems over with Rohr’s submission.
But according to the Punch, other NPFL keepers believe they are good enough to make the team in place of the 19-cap goalie.
Veteran Kano Pillars shot stopper, Suraj Ayeleso, said, “I believe NPFL goalkeepers should be considered now that the league is on. I was happy when I saw head coach Rohr in Port Harcourt watching the Enyimba versus Rivers United CAF Confederation Cup game.”
Abia Warriors shot stopper, Ojo Olorunleke, also tipped his opposite numbers to shine if given the opportunity.
“NPFL goalkeepers deserve Eagles call ups. I believe anyone invited will go there and prove himself. We are as good as the overseas-based players, the difference is the opportunity they are getting.”
Lobi Stars’ Daniel Atsaka added, “We are good enough to represent Nigeria at the topmost level.”
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Pillars’ Joshua Enaholo stated, “We deserve to be there but can’t force ourselves on the coach who says he does not have a problem in that department.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
