The goalkeeping department is still the most uncertain department of the Super Eagles going into the 2018 World Cup despite the influential role goalkeepers play at a competition like the World Cup. Coach Gernot Rohr has kept faith with Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa who prosecuted the qualifying series after Carl Ikeme was ruled out with illness, while also opting for the upcoming Francis Uzoho who is increasingly looking to be first choice.
Francis Uzoho came to reckoning when he was thrown into Deportivo La Coruna’s starting line-up for two La Liga games last year. He was immediately called up to the Eagles where he had an impressive 2nd half cameo in the victory over Argentina, only to put up shaky performances subsequently. He looks a very good prospect for the country beyond the World Cup but recent developments suggest that he will be the Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper at the World Cup.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa played the last four 2018 World Cup qualifiers to ensure successful qualification for the World Cup. On the strength of this, he deserves a place in the World Cup team despite not totally convincing.
He plays regularly in South Africa for Chippa United, but Daniel Akpeyi has been unconvincing for the Super Eagles. He has looked very shaky and susceptible to blunders and so does not inspire the required confidence, going into the World Cup.