Peter Rufai suggests strong competition as solution for Nigeria goalkeeping crisis

By Wale Mustapha

Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has lend his voice on the current goalkeeping imbroglio with the senior men’s national team.

The Super Eagles have been facing serious crisis in that department since the exit of Vincent Enyeama. Carl Ikeme was tipped to be the permanent replacement for the former Lille goalie but had to retire early due to health issues.

Francis Uzoho who is currently the Eagles’ first choice keeper was at the center of serious criticism for conceding soft goals in Nigeria’s recent international friendlies as soccer faithful called for his removal or demotion in the team.

Rufai, who was the country’s number shotstopper in the early 90s after battling with the likes of Alloy Agu, Ike Shorunmu and late Wilfred Agbonavbare believes only stiff competition can bring out the best in the embattled first choice keeper ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“Let them be given some fight for the (number one shirt), and they should get some local-based goalkeepers that have what it takes since we have some who have played in the continental competitions,” Rufai told Brilla FM.

“There are some of them with good experience playing out there; they should get one or two of them into the national team and throw the competition open,” he said.

The former Stationery Stores and Deportivo Lacoruna keeper expressed optimism of Uzoho maintaining his position as first choice goal tender but must earn it through competition with other good hands.

“If they throw the jersey open (for all the goalkeepers) to contest for it, you would see that Uzoho would take his jersey back,”

“Then, he would have  picked the jersey after taking the bull by the horns because he  knows nobody would be able to drop him after the open challenge for the number one  jersey.

“In the process of retaining the jersey, we can get the best out of Uzoho.”