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Thu, Apr

Austin Ejide: I Can Solve Eagles Goalkeeping Issues

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Veteran Super Eagles second-choice goalkeeper Austin Ejide said he is improved and with his current form, having kept nine clean sheets this season for Israeli club Hapoel Hadera he can solve the Nations goalkeeping problems.

Austin Ejide while speaking about his fine form for Israeli club Hapoel Hadera has express interest in returning to the super eagles and hopes to get a recall six years after his last appearance.

"I know the situation in Nigeria. I get positive remarks in Israel and being rated highly could be something that will pave the way,"

"I've kept nine clean sheets this season and we all know that goalkeepers always get better with age.

"I've also been following the Eagles and I believe that with my consistent performances in Israel, there is every chance it opens the door to the possibilities of another call-up."

The 35-year-old goalkeeper made his professional debut in 1992 and national debut in 2001 against Namibia and last featured for Nigeria in 2014.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has not had it rosy in the goalkeeping department as he continues to chop and change in a bid to find the best pair of hands for the Eagles. First-choice Francis Uzoho is out of action for a lengthy period with a knee injury, while Kaiser Chiefs Daniel Akpeyi has struggled to impress despite being the most experienced among the present crop. Others include Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who many feel lack composure at the highest level, while youngster Maduka Okoye is relatively inexperienced.

Rohr has maintained that the door remains open to any Nigerian playing regularly in a top-flight and can make a positive contribution.

Ejide who is banking on Rohr commitment to players who are playing in a top-flight and is making a positive contribution further added that "I can never shut the international door to play for Nigeria again, I believe I have what it takes to get another chance,".

The veteran further stressed that age shouldn't be a barrier "There are other goalkeepers who never gave up on international football despite their age or being overlooked," he insisted.

"At 46, Essam El-Hadary still played a major tournament for Egypt and I can hopefully follow in that footsteps.

"I keep focusing on club football here, the more I do well, then I will continue to retain that hope of playing for my country again."

Ejide has never been the first choice for the Super Eagles but has however become a cult hero in Hadera after helping Hapoel Hadera to Israeli top-flight promotion in 2018 ending their 39 years in the lower leagues. He featured in Berti Vogts 2008 team and Stephen Keshi's team as second fiddle to Vincent Enyeama.

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