Enyimba goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai is set to make his main Super Eagles debut in the friendly game against Uganda on Tuesday, www.aclsports.com can report.
Afelokhai was called up as a replacement for injured first choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho ahead of the current international window but the shot stopper was not listed for Saturday’s draw in Johannesburg.
Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr confirmed in a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against the Cranes of Uganda at the Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba that Afelokhai will make his debut for the team.
“We can be able to make six changes in the game. Already the two goalkeepers who did not play in South Africa (Daniel Akpeyi and Afelokhai) will play forty-five minutes each so it’s good to see everybody. It is not the result that is the most important but what we decide to do is to celebrate with our fans, the AFCON qualification so we want to have a good match without any injuries.
“We have three local players in the team and perhaps you can see them tomorrow at least for forty-five minutes because we want to make as many changes and see a lot of players,” said Rohr.
Nigeria will be without defenders Leon Balogun and Ola Aina who have both returned to their European clubs after Saturday’s game. The former was reported to have sustained a minor injury in the game while the reason for the latter’s return is not yet known.
Uganda who like Nigeria have also qualified for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament arrived Asaba on Monday and trained under floodlights at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, shortly after the Eagles’ Monday training session.
The match will kick off at 4:30pm local time.
