Akpeyi won’t fail Algeria test – Erico

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Joe Erico has said the Super Eagles will not miss injured Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, in their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo on November 12.Chippa United goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, has  taken Ikeme’s place in the squad.Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr  had named Ikeme on his 24-man list for the match before Wolves on Wednesday informed the Nigeria Football Federation  that the  30-year-old would not be available for the game due to his injury.Former Eagles goalkeeper trainer  Erico, who   hailed Rohr’s decision to invite Akpeyi,  said the former Warri Wolves keeper would not disappoint in the Uyo  encounter.  He added  that his  experience would help the Eagles to win the match.“It is quite unfortunate that Ikeme is injured and it will add to the selection headache of the coach,” Erico told our correspondent.“As a coach, when you are getting used to some players and they get injured or are not available for  a  match, trying new players becomes  something of a gamble. The coach already has the selection headache for the defence,  which is not too strong and  Ikeme’s injury will make him  pay   attention to the goalkeeping area.“His choice of Akpeyi is a good one and it shows that his good work  at his club  is recognised.”The former NEPA Lagos coach added, “Nigeria is blessed with good  goalkeepers. With this invitation,  Akpeyi has  a chance to play his way into the national team.“Akpeyi will not find it easy to get a  starting role but this could be his chance. Ikeme became the first choice after the exit of Vincent  Enyeama ”“ and he proved his worth, hence  the   new coach decided to retain hum.“Enyeama had other challengers when he was first choice but none could our outperform him when they had the opportunity, that was why he remained the first choice for a long time. Goalkeepers get better with age and Akpeyi is no exception.“This invitation is an opportunity  for him prove that what he did against Egypt (in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers) was no fluke. Akpeyi has good reflexes just like Ikeme, but only some inches shorter. I believe that he will  deliver against Algeria.”