2018 World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Coach replaces injured Ikeme

Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, is officially out of the November 12 Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Algeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The injured Wolverhampton Wanderers of England goalkeeper has now been replaced with South Africa–based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, as the Super Eagles get set to face the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that Ikeme sustained a hip injury in a championship clash with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and was taken off at half time.

The goalkeeper has since written to the Nigeria Football Federation that he would not be fit for the game against Algeria.

The 30-year-old, who took over from Vincent Enyeama since the latter’s abrupt exit from the national team, has been a dependable figure in-between the sticks for the Eagles since joining the team.

The newly invited Akpeyi, who stars for Chippa United will now join FC IfeanyiUbah’s Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Portugal-based youngster Dele Alampasu.

The Super Eagles take on the Fennecs of Algeria in Uyo on November 12 in a Matchday 2 clash of the African race for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Any victory will see the Super Eagles go top of their group in their quest to make it to Russia for their sixth FIFA senior World Cup appearance.

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