Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer Alloy Agu says Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi’s inactivity and the gradual return of Francis Uzoho from injury was the major reason why the three goalkeepers were left out of the 25-man squad for next month’s clash against Algeria and Tunisia in Austria.
Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, called up Dele Alampasu, Mattew Yakubu and Sparta Rotterdam’s Maduka Okoye in their places.
The dropped keepers were part of the Eagles’ squad to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team finished third.
Akpeyi has been out of action since he was stretchered off in Kaizer Chiefs’ ABSA Premier League clash against Bidvest after a nasty collision.
The injury ruled out the 33-year-old for three weeks before the Eagles squad list was announced, while Uzoho, who copped an anterior cruciate ligament last October, is yet to make an official appearance for APOEL Nicosia since he joined the club.
Ezenwa on his part, has been inactive over six months after the Nigeria Professional Football League was suspended and later called off due to COVID-19.
“In Europe, there have been competitions and games going on, while the NPFL is yet to commence due to coronavirus, Agu told The PUNCH.
“Same with the Premier Soccer League in South Africa where Daniel Akpeyi plays, the league just ended.
“Uzoho as well is just returning to full fitness after a long injury lay off and we are watching him. He still needs some time to get back into shape and we are watching him.
“Definitely, he is still part of the team. Alampasu and Yakub have been active for their respective teams and that earned them places in the team.”
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