The recent transfer of former Nigeria U21 goalkeeper Matthew Yakubu to Slovakian side Sered FC has increased the number of Nigerian goalkeepers in Europe at the moment.
Most of the goalkeepers are however not playing in any of the top leagues in Europe at the moment but maybe in the nearest future due to the fact that most of them are relatively young and already making waves for their respective teams.
Already the duo of Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye are leading the way as they are already in the senior national team of Nigeria. They are however not the only option available to coach Gernot Rohr who has been monitoring other young goalkeepers in Europe.
Adeleye Adeleke of Israeli side Hapoel Katamon was close to an invitation after impressing for the second division side but Rohr decided against calling him up for a competitive game. His chances of a call up looks more likely than the rest if he continue to impress.
19 year old Tobias Lawal who is on the books of Austrian side LASK is highly rated by coach Gernot Rohr and the fact that the coach has scouted him severally this season is mostly due to his performances for Juniors OO, the B team of LASK who are in the second division.
Already he has been capped by Austria at U19 and 20 level, he is still however opened to a switch to Nigeria and with his solid showing in 15 games this season his chances look very bright.
Ventspils of Latvia new signing Dele Alampasu is not new to Rohr as he has been a part of the senior team under the coach and even made his international bow in 2017. His club form didn’t help his case but if he is able to establish himself in Latvia, a return to the team can’t be ruled out.
David Nwolokor of Croatian side Rijeka is another name who has been around for a while and he narrowly missed out on an invitation in 2017 following the cancellation of a friendly game he was supposed to be invited for. This season at Rijeka where he is second choice will go a long way in determining his hopes of a call up.
One name that was recently suggested to coach Gernot Rohr is that of 25 year old Croatian based goalkeeper Matthew Idama Cyprian who is on the books of second division side NK Dubrava Tim Kabel.
The goalkeeper who worked his way up from the third division side NK Junak Sinj is yet to get going as he is presently second choice since his signing in January. That aside Rohr has pencilled him down for extensive scouting when he eventually get the chance to play.
