AFCON 2019: Rohr Set to Start Akpeyi Against Guinea as Uzoho Drops to No. 3

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has indicated that Daniel Akpeyi is likely to retain his place in goal for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations match against Guinea, while Francis Uzoho has dropped to third choice.

Akpeyi started Nigeria’s opening match against Burundi and kept a clean sheet, although his performance still attracted some criticism.

Rohr explained that the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper had moved ahead of his rivals during Nigeria’s preparations for the tournament.

“Akpeyi played the first match because in the three weeks of preparation he became number one,” Rohr said.

The coach added that the decision was made in consultation with goalkeeper coach Alloy Agu and other members of his technical staff.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa had been in contention for the starting position but suffered a knee injury during Nigeria’s training camp in Asaba.

According to Rohr, the injury affected Ezenwa’s preparations and allowed Akpeyi to move ahead in the goalkeeping order.

“Ezenwa had a little knee injury in one of the first training sessions in Asaba, so he had to rest and came back slowly,” Rohr said.

He added that Akpeyi performed well enough in the warm-up matches to retain his position.

Rohr also confirmed that Uzoho, who was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, had fallen to third in the pecking order.

“Francis Uzoho is number three,” the German said.

Despite renewed competition from Ezenwa, Rohr suggested that Akpeyi’s clean sheet against Burundi and an important save during the match had strengthened his chances of starting against Guinea.

“I think Daniel Akpeyi, with the clean sheet in the first match and the very difficult ball he stopped against Burundi, will be maintained as number one,” Rohr said.

Nigeria will look to build on their opening victory when they face Guinea in their second group match.