Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has hinted that Russia 2018 World Cup goalkeeper Francis Uzoho may lose his prime position if he fails to buckle ahead of the forthcoming Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2019.
Uzoho has virtually made the Super Eagles’ number 1 his own since his debut against Argentina in November 2017 but Rohr says his recent form means the goalkeeping position is now a wide contest with homeboy Ikechukwu Ezenwa and South Africa-based David Akpeyi.
“Of course, we are focussed now with our preparation, camping and composition of our staff for the AFCON,” Rohr said in an exclusive interview with The Nation.
“Physically, we must be very fit because we can’t afford to underrate any team; we have not played against Burundi, Madagascar and Guinea before and so we must be ready in all the departments.”
The former Bayern Munich defender said he was not unmindful of the crucial role of a good goalkeeper towards the Super Eagles’ successful outing in Egypt, insisting that Uzoho as well as Ezenwa and Akpeyi would be starting at ground zero as the team kicks off its preparation in Asaba this week before flying to Ismailia for its final camping.
“We are not joking with the goalkeeping department and that is why we have two goalkeepers’ trainers in our staff and in fact, Pionetti Enrico worked with Uzoho at his club in Cyprus because he has not played too many matches this season,” noted Rohr.“A goalkeeper like the players can easily lose his confidence if he’s not playing regularly but we have to do our best to push them to give good performance.
“I tell you, the Super Eagles’ number one position is open now because Ezenwa has been playing regularly for his club locally and doing well too and Akpeyi is playing now and then with Kaizer Chiefs.
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“Frankly, Uzoho has lost the number one position and he will have to fight for that position with Ezenwa and Akpeyi in the coming days; everybody is at zero level now,” added Rohr.