The Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, has
defended goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, who came under fire after Nigeria's
2-1 loss to Mali in the two countries' first match at the ongoing
African Nations Championship, CHAN.
Keshi was speaking on Monday in South Africa after a team training session.
Agbim was blamed for the two goals scored by Mali; even though he later made several saves in the match played on Sunday.
Keshi said Agbim, as well as defenders Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kunle Odunlami, played well against Mali.supersport.com
Goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, also passed a vote of confidence on Agbim.
"He made several saves; if not, we would have conceded five, six goals in that game," Shorunmu said. "If you look at the team as a whole, he played well and should not be blamed."
Keshi said he expected his team to put up an improved performance on Wednesday when the Super Eagles will face the Mambas of Mozambique.
"The players have now overcome their stage fright, so I think they would come out to play on Wednesday. We did not play our game on Saturday but I am sure that would be different on Wednesday," he assured.
Injured players
Meanwhile, two key players, Ikenna Hilary and Benjamin Francis, may miss Wednesday's match due to injuries.
Sunshine Stars midfielder, Hilary, who started against Mali, was seen limping out of training on Monday night. He was later reported to have suffered a muscle strain.
Nigeria will play Mozambique on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time in Cape Town.
supersport.com
Keshi was speaking on Monday in South Africa after a team training session.
Agbim was blamed for the two goals scored by Mali; even though he later made several saves in the match played on Sunday.
Keshi said Agbim, as well as defenders Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kunle Odunlami, played well against Mali.supersport.com
Goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, also passed a vote of confidence on Agbim.
"He made several saves; if not, we would have conceded five, six goals in that game," Shorunmu said. "If you look at the team as a whole, he played well and should not be blamed."
Keshi said he expected his team to put up an improved performance on Wednesday when the Super Eagles will face the Mambas of Mozambique.
"The players have now overcome their stage fright, so I think they would come out to play on Wednesday. We did not play our game on Saturday but I am sure that would be different on Wednesday," he assured.
Injured players
Meanwhile, two key players, Ikenna Hilary and Benjamin Francis, may miss Wednesday's match due to injuries.
Sunshine Stars midfielder, Hilary, who started against Mali, was seen limping out of training on Monday night. He was later reported to have suffered a muscle strain.
Nigeria will play Mozambique on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Nigerian time in Cape Town.
supersport.com
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