Rohr On Super Eagles No. 1 Goalkeeper, Eight New Players & Obi Mikel

Published: June 16, 2019

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is still undecided over his first choice goalkeeper at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Deportivo de La Coruña's Francis Uzoho has fallen out of favour with the German due to his inactivity in the second half of last season while there is uncertainty over the fitness of Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

The oldest player in the squad, Daniel Akpeyi was brought into the starting line-up against Zimbabwe last weekend, a sure sign that there has been a reversal of fortunes as the Kaizer Chiefs star was clearly the number three ranked goalkeeper in the pecking order at the 2018 World Cup.

''We don't know yet who is the number one goalkeeper, we will decide after the preparations but there are three good goalkeepers and we trust them,'' Rohr told the Super Eagles Media team.

''Our strength is the solidarity because if there is somebody with problems, the other one will help him on and off the pitch.''

With the exception of Moses Simon who was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, seven new faces have been named on the Super Eagles AFCON roster after impressing for their respective clubs last season.

Chelsea icon John Obi Mikel has decided to return to the squad after a self-imposed sabbatical that lasted for one year.

''We have eight new players coming in, bringing fresh mentality inside the group so it is good refreshing atmosphere which can help us in Egypt.

''The experience of Obi Mikel - everybody wanted him to come back. He has been well received by the group as if he has always been with us.

''The reintegration of Obi Mikel has been done very well and he showed against Zimbabwe that he's on the right way to be very fit,'' Rohr added.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel