Injury Rules Akpeyi Out Of Cameroun Clash, Ezenwa To Start In Goal

Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will miss Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Cameroon in Uyo with injury, coach Gernot Rohr said at the team’s press conference held at the Ibom Meridien Hotel on Wednesday.

The South Africa based goalkeeper was in goal in the November 2016, 3-1 World Cup qualifier win over Algeria, a victory which ensured the Super Eagles team top the group B table with 6 points.

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Ikechukwu Ezenwa from Nigerian club FC Ifeanyi Ubah has accepted the challenge of manning the goal against the Indomitable Lions and insists he is sufficiently prepared for the huge clash.

28-year-old Ezenwa captained Nigeria’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) squad that eliminated Benin Republic last weekend to qualify for next year’s continental finals in Kenya.

“I’ve waited two years for this opportunity and I will seize it with both hands. I have understudied both Carl Ikeme and Akpeyi, so I think mentally and physically, I’m ready for the game. It is a big game, but i’m grateful that the coaches have confidence in my ability to trust me with this responsibility,” the CHAN Eagles captain said.

Coach Gernot Rohr also said the CHAN Eagles captain will be given all the support and confidence he needs to boost his confidence in the match against the Indomitable Lions.

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“This boy (Ezenwa) who plays in Nigeria will now start the game,” Rohr said.
“He did well with the home-based national team and he will do well (against Cameroon), we will protect him and give him confidence. The home fans will also give him confidence.”

Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi also withdrew from the squad on Sunday with a thigh problem.
Friday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will kick off by 5pm.

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