World Cup Playoffs: Shorunmu Backs Nwabali
BY RAYMOND NWADUBA
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu has thrown his weight behind embattled Stanley Nwabali, who has come under severe criticisms following his error against Lesotho and recent outburst with teammates, with some suggesting he should be benched before he costs Nigeria the world cup ticket.
Nwabali, became the toast of many Nigerians after his heroics at the last Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, where the Eagles reached the final but bowed to eventual winners cum host, Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 2-1. But his recent errors, outbursts and temperament is forcing many Nigerians to have a rethink about having him in goal.
However, estwhile Super Eagles goalkeepers trainer, Shorunmu, thinks otherwise, as he acknowledges that only the coach who works with these players knows which of them is fit and ready to start each game.
“It’s totally different when you are outside compared to when you are inside. Therefore, it’s only the coach who works with them daily in training that can give a better informed decision on which of the goalkeeper is fit to start a game.
Reacting on the issue of having the likes of Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye with other goalkeepers in camp to complete with Nwabali, Shorunmu says it’s a welcome development, as that’s how it has always been even in their own time.
“It’s always good to have competition in camp for places in the team, goalkeepers inclusive.
“That’s the way to go and that’s how it has always been even in my time, he said.
“My advice to the coach is that he should keep working on the ones he has to ensure they improve with each game”, he concluded.
The Eagles will face Gabon on November 13 in Morocco while Cameroon battles DR Congo. The winners in the matches will square up in the final to produce the single African representative at the intercontinental playoffs in March next year in Mexico.
