Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr has called up Enyimba goalkeeper, Theophilus Afelokhai as a replacement for the injured Francis Uzoho for the team’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa and an international friendly against Uganda this month.
Uzoho,20, is one of the three goalkeepers invited by Gernot Rohr for the Super Eagles’ next two games but he pulled out of the ties after he suffered a concussion while in action for Elche in Sunday’s 5-1 loss to Cadiz.
Uzoho has been the first choice Nigeria goalkeeper since making his debut against Argentina in a pre-World Cup friendly in November 2017.
The Deportivo La Coruna loanee has played 12 times for the Super Eagles, conceding 12 goals and keeping five clean sheets but will sit out the next two games.
“Official: @EnyimbaFC’s shot-stopper Theophilus Afelokhai replaces injured @Uzohof for @NGSuperEagles 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against @BafanaBafana of South Africa #SoarSuperEagles #Afcon2019Q #Team9jaStrong #RSANGA,” a tweet from the Nigerian Football Federation revealed.
The 30-year-old, Afelokhai who has been Enyimba’s first choice goalkeeper this season is making a return to the senior national team for the first time in three years.
Afelokhai has been outstanding for Enyimba this season helping the two time CAF Champions League winners reach the semi-final of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Rohr’s team lost the reverse fixture 2-0 last June at the Akwa Ibom international stadium and they will be hoping to avenge the loss at the FNB stadium on the 17th of November.
