Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Alloy Agu has insisted that Vincent Enyeama is still relevant in the national team.
The Lille of France shot-stopper opted out of last weekend’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania to mourn the death of his mother.
In Enyeama’s absence, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Carl Ikeme was in goal for Super Eagles as his national team debut.
Ikeme was in superb form as he made fantastic saves to deny the East Africans in the match to help the Eagles secured a point in the 0-0 draw at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
Agu in a chat with SportingLife said Enyeama’s experience is still valuable to the team while he commended Ikeme for his outstanding performance in the game against Tanzania.
He added that Ikeme’s inclusion in the Eagles goalkeeping department has made it very competitive.
He said other goalkeepers like Ikechukwu Ezenwa of Sunshine Stars of Akure and Femi Thomas of Enyimba are also doing well in the team.
“Enyeama is still a respected figure in that department,” Agu told SportingLife.
“Enyeama is one of the best goalkeepers in Africa and Nigeria in particular and we respect him for who he is. The good thing about Ikeme’s arrival in the team is that it has allowed more competition in that department. We love it this way because it will allow more seriousness in the goalkeepers.
“Ikeme’s performances so far is commendable and he showed more professionalism in the way he handled the things. Other goalkeepers too have potential to do good for the Eagles. It is a new era and we are building a future team for the national team.”
Ikeme made his second game against Niger in an international friendly match played yesterday. He was replaced by Ikechukwu Ezenwa towards the end of the game in the 2-0 win over Niger Republic