Troost-Ekong gives his backing to GKs Uzoho, Akpeyi; admits Okoye, Iwobi, Ndidi will be missed

Super Eagles assistant captain William Troost-Ekong has given his backing to goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi ahead of Nigeria's 2022 World Cup playoff versus Ghana, saying that he trusts both to deliver if called upon by manager Augustine Eguavoen.

After the withdrawal of in-form Sparta Rotterdam star Maduka Okoye, Eguavoen has a big decision to make; whether to start Uzoho or opt for the most experienced goalkeeper in the squad, Akpeyi.

Eguavoen will not have at his disposal Everton winger Alex Iwobi (suspension) and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (injury) against the Black Stars.

Troost-Ekong is not entirely sure if he will be named in the starting lineup, which is not surprising given that he has been inactive for Watford since his return from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

"I'm not sure who is going to play, I don't know if I'm going to play either. You have to ask the question to the coach when it's his turn," Troost-Ekong said at Wednesday's press conference.

"I'd sleep just as fine. One of the three goalkeepers will be in goal and I think all of the boys have great experience whether that be in Francis who played in the World Cup before, whether it be Daniel Akpeyi, I trust them 100 percent.

"Of course we are going to miss Maduka for this game but that's what you need to have a good squad and the same way we are going to miss Wilfred and Alex.

"The players that are going to be stepping in those positions I trust them one hundred percent.