Agbim to start against Catalonia
by George Akpayen 01 January 2013, 11:42
Warri Wolves' goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, will be between the sticks for Nigeria in Tuesday's pre-Afcon game against Catalonia, supersport.com report.
Reports in the local media this week had suggested that overseas goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, will link up with the Nigerian squad for the friendly match.
But Nigeria's head coach, Stephen Keshi is said not to have had the trio of captain Joseph Yobo, Ejide and Enyeama in his plans for the game against Catalonia at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat.
The absence of Ejide and Enyeama now leaves Agbim as the most experienced keeper in the team in spite of the presence of Heartland shot-stopper, Daniel Akpeyi.
"The two goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide as well as captain Joseph Yobo were not part of the plans for the Catalonia game. Myself and the coaches including the head coach (Keshi) were surprised to read that they were set to arrive in Spain for the game. The report never emanated from the Super Eagles' camp.
"There are two goalkeepers (Agbim and Akpeyi) here as well as a handful of players. So one of the two will take to the goalpost," spokesman of the Super Eagles, Ben Alaiya told supersport.com via telephone on New Year's Day as the team travelled out of Portugal for the Tuesday's match.
But Alaiya was tight-lipped on the goalkeeper, who would be picked for the game in Spain.
"Honestly, I cannot say (which goalkeeper will start against Catalonia). The coaches will take that decision and when they do I will inform you," he offered.
It is the second time Nigeria will come up against Catalonia after a 0-5 loss to the Catalunya selected team at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companyson on December 22, 1998.
