Swede professional goalkeeper Jonathan Rasheed Ayola expresses willingness to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles in international football npflupdates.com reports.
Also read: Super Eagles Attack Is Scary Roberto Mancini Warns Ivory Coast Ahead Of AFCON
The goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles is currently not at its best with goalkeepers blowing hot-and-cold during matches. First choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, recently committed a blunder, and it led to Saudi Arabia’s first goal during an international friendly last Friday.
Before the recent mistake, same Francis Uzoho also made a mistake in a FIFA world cup qualifier fixture against Ghana last year, when Thomas Partey struck from outside the box at the Moshood Abiola Stadium. The draw in Abuja ensured Ghana qualified for the world cup based on away-goals rule that’s still active in CAF competitions.
Meanwhile at the AFCON in 2019, mistake by goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, ensured Algeria progressed to the finals through a Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick.
Also read: Francis Uzoho Will Be Missed Against Sierra Leone – Analyst
Since after the retirment of Vincent Enyeama, the Super Eagles have never had a consistent goalkeeper, and that is giving Nigerians reason to worry as the 2023 AFCON tournament is in less than four months.
Speaking about the challenges of getting a good goalkeeper, head coach Jose Peseiro, said players are not comfortable in goal, because of the incessant attack from supporters.
“When I arrived here, I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper. I spoke with all of them, No one feels comfortable because everybody attacked them,” he said.
“I like our players, when they make mistakes it is my responsibility.”
Speaking about Uzoho’s recent mistake, the former Sporting CP manager, said, “goalkeepers never play free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time.
“Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss a goal, why?
They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (Uzoho) better.”
Reacting to the challenges facing Nigeria’s goalkeeping department, a representative of Jonathan Rasheed, who spoke to Owngoal Nigeria said bad times is also part of the game.
According to the representative, his client is ready and will be an option and an asset if he gets invited.
Also read: “Match-Rusty” Francis Uzoho In S’Eagles Squad For Saudi Arabia Friendly: Analyst Reacts
Super Eagles may get new goalkeeper in Jonathan Rasheed
“I don’t think the Super Eagles have bad goalkeepers. They have just been unfortunate which is part of the game. Rasheed is an option if he is called up. He is among the best in Sweden at the moment with six clean sheets,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rasheed himself also believes he can feature and deliver for Nigeria.
“I hope,” he said when asked if he can honour a call-up from Nigeria.
