Super Eagles Coach Rules Out Carl Ikeme Due To Unfortunate Training Injury, Calls Up Rookie Goalkeeper

Super Eagles no 1 goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, has been ruled out of today’s friendly against Senegal in London following an injury.

Ikeme, who has been in superb form for Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers this season, missed the team’s final training session due to a knock.

As a result, head coach Gernot Rohr had to draft in relatively unknown goalkeeper, Tope Okeowo, of Peckham All Stars.

And the News Agency of Nigeria is reporting that Okeowo will man the goal for Nigeria following the continued unavailability of other invited goalkeepers, Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Okeowo, former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper, is reportedly having a great season at Peckham Town where he’s been for many years.

The new invitee expressed joy at his call-up to the senior national team, saying it came as a huge surprise to him.

“I’m short of words and I can’t really explain what this means to me,” the 29-year-old said.

“It is an honour to be called up to the Super Eagles. I almost didn’t believe it when I received the call.’’

He added that though he enjoyed his time at the Golden Eaglets, being part of the Eagles is entirely different experience.

“Coach Austin Eguavoen was the coach then, and we had the likes of Mikel Obi, Chinedu Obasi, Chamberlain Ekerebe, Adetoro Morufu and Ezekiel Bala in the squad.

“I enjoyed that experience but I must say I’m surprised by this call-up. I give glory to God and my lovely wife,” he said.

The Eagles tackle Senegal at the Hive Stadium from 9 p.m. (Local time) before wrapping up the international break with a clash against Burkina Faso next week Monday.