GOALKEEPERS ARE NOT GOING TO WIN THE WORLD CUP FOR US – ABIODUN BARUWA
With France-based Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama’s 2018 FIFA World Cup dream seemingly up in the air, ex-Super Eagles keeper coach Abiodun Baruwa has shared his views on the topic.
Daniel Akpeyi, Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are the three goalkeepers in line to receive call-ups from coach Gernot Rohr to the global tournament.
However, some argue that experience is vital at such a huge football event and Lille OSC keeper Enyeama, Israel-based duo in Austin Ejide and Dele Aiyenugba, are more experienced than the Ezenwa, Akpeyi and
Uzoho.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Baruwa said he cannot decide on who Rohr must pick in his final squad to Russia.
“What are they worried about?” quizzed the 43-year-old former Strum Graz of Austria shot-stopper said when told that Nigerians are worried that absence of quality goalkeepers.
“Goalkeepers are not going to win the World Cup for us. It’s 11 players at a time on the pitch and everyone has got a job to do.
“The three guys did not just start keeping few years ago; they will surely perform out there in Russia.”
The five-capped net minder added that he cannot choose keepers for the national team coach, saying Rohr will make his selection based on his plans.
“I can’t choose for any coach regarding what players he wants to work with. It’s up to the coach to choose whoever he is in his plan. All I know is that they are all good goalkeepers,” he added.
Meanwhile, during the recent FIFA international break, Uzoho started in their 1-0 win over Poland on Friday and against Serbia, but conceded in their 1-0 loss.
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