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By GODWIN DUDU-ORUMEN
In the last six years or thereabouts Super Eagles goalkeepers have returned below par performances game after game .
Upon the retirement of Vincent Enyeama , Carl Ikeme was capped very late in my opinion , his capping coming more than 7 years after l first mentioned him to the custodians of our Football .
Nevermind the late capping, Carl gave a very good account of himself with some superb performances until a life threatening ailment ended his Professional Football career . A very sad loss it was to the game but thank God he is well again and making progress in life in new a endeavour. Nostalgia hits me as l remember a goalkeeper in the class of some of Nigeria’s best, goalkeeping legends like Inua Rigogo , Peter Fregene, Alex Omede, Eyo Essien, Emmanuel Okala , Best Ogedegbe who collectively kept very good goalkeepers like Amusa Adisa , Cyril Okosieme, Lukuka , Iliasu Yashin , Ahamefula Umelo , Godwin Afejukwu and Abdul Wahab from making the No 1 spot in the National team from 1970-82.
Peter Rufai, Wilfred Agbonavbare ruled until Maroc’88 , then came Patrick Okala and Aloy Agu , then Enyeama and Ejike came calling . Chijioke Ejiogu aka Arugo Monkey was arguably the best of that generation but the lack of discipline kept him out the Super Eagles.
After this set of goalkeepers, only Carl Ikeme was deserveing of a Super Eagles cap. Sadly all other call-ups have ended in tears . And particularly depressing is Uzoho who has had more disasters in goal than ten others put together. It’s not working with Uzoho and his colleagues in the Goalkeeping department suggesting the Super Eagles have a goalkeeper crisis .
Therefore l advise the Super Eagles gaffer, Mr Peseiro and his crew to look at these goalkeepers in the domestic League, the NPFL :
1. Bankole Kayode – Remo Stars
2. Amas Obasogie – Bendel Insurance FC
3. Christian Nwoke – Sporting Lagos
4. Musta Lawal – Sunshine Stars
Any of these young men can put an end to Super Eagles goalkeeping crisis l so submit.
