Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu has sued for confidence among Nigerian soccer fans in the shot-stoppers listed by national team gaffer, Gernot Rohr for this year’s World Cup, as he says all four are capable of holding their own in Russia.
In contrast with critical comments trailing Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi, Francis Odinaka Uzoho and Dele Ajiboye, Shorunmu, who is also a former keepers’ trainer in the Eagles, said Nigerian fans should stop talking about Vincent Enyeama or Carl Onuoha Ikeme and lend support to those who are available.
He went on to declare that he has profound confidence in the ability of all chosen four to excel in Russia, but stopped short of naming one among the lot who will miss out and who should be first choice.
Shorunmu, however, stressed that all the goalkeepers selected by Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr can stand up to any pressure they might face at the global soccer showpiece.
The ex-keeper, who manned the post at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan, said: “We have to give the goalkeepers on ground confidence that they can do it.
“We started from somewhere and they have started from somewhere I wish them all the best to perform well for the country.
“Ikeme is out of it and Vincent says he has retired, so we have to manage what we have. We have to give them the confidence and belief that they can get the job done.
“We have to have the belief and the confidence in our team and appreciate them. If we all rally round the team, they will make us proud.”
