Eagles can fly without Ikeme —Rohr

The absence of first choice goal- keeper, Carl Ikeme for today’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Algeria will not affect the Super Eagles.

This is the view of the Nigeria Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr.

Rohr is currently working with three goalkeepers, Daniel Akpeyi, Dele Alampasu and Ikechukwu Ezenwa for today’s game against Algeria and the trainer is adamant the trio are in fine fettle to face the Fennec Foxes.

“I am confident [in the ability] of all the players who are here [in Uyo]; it is not just the goal keepers.

“I have been monitoring all the players and what they have been doing at their clubs.

“Daniel [Akpeyi] for instance has played seven games in the last three weeks for his club (Chippa United).

“He was substituted just before the end of the last game he played for his club but it was only done as [a precautionary measure] so there is really nothing to worry about as far as fitness is concerned for him.

“He has big experience; he played in Egypt (for Nigeria) with about sixty or seventy thousand people present in the stadium and did very well.

“He has also been producing good performances for his club [Chippa United],” Rohr said.

The experienced tactician then discussed the prospects of Alampasu who he described as one ‘for the future’

“I am also confident in the young Dele Alampasu. He is playing now in the second division having been loaned to Cesarense (a Potuguese side that campaigns in the Terceira Divisão Série B).”

“We know that perhaps Alampasu is one for the future. Since I came in (became coach of the Super Eagles), I tried to see a lot of young players because I believe we have a lot of good young talent.

“We also have some experienced players like our captain (John Mikel Obi) who can help the young players.

“So the mixture of young and experienced players is good for our team,” he said.