Rohr Reacts To Speculation He Was Forced To Field Ezenwa Over Akpeyi Against South Africa

Gernot Rohr has reacted to speculations that he was instructed not to field Chippa United goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi last weekend when the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa.

As exclusively reported by allnigeriasoccer.com, the only media to correctly report in the days leading up to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Johannesburg, the German football tactician made up his mind to start Enyimba's Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the first training session held by the national team in Asaba, after the goalkeepers in camp were put through their paces by goalkeeper trainer, Alloy Agu.

While Akpeyi is the undisputed first choice goalkeeper at Chippa United, Ezenwa is playing second fiddle in Enyimba and was largely inactive in the past season.

''There was no pressure at all, we made the team as we wanted. After speaking with the goalkeeper coach, we agreed that Ezenwa had to start this match,'' Rohr told Sports Editors during a media parley.

''Akpeyi did well in his club, played more than Ezenwa. If Ezenwa did not play well, everybody would have said you have to play Akpeyi.

''He did well and we took the risk to play with Ezenwa. He is bringing his desire to do well to the team.

''It's important to have someone like Ezenwa in the team even if he's not playing. He's positive, prayerful, giving good attitude to the team, helping us.

''He has the right spirit like John Ogu who doesn't play. Whether they play or not, they are committed to the country.''

Daniel Akpeyi has not started a competitive game for the national team since conceding two goals against South Africa in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in June 2017.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel