If Buffon still keeps for Italy, who says ours can’t, says Esin

• Ezenwa Needs Time, Erico Appeals

Former internationals, Joseph Erico and Etim Esin, have expressed divergent views on the rating of Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, over his errors in the World Cup qualifier against the Fennecs on Friday, in Constantine. Algeria forced Nigeria to a 1-1 draw.

Eagles ended the Group B qualifiers en route to Russia with 14 points, after winning four matches, drawing two, and without a defeat.

As Eagles meet La Albiceleste on Tuesday, in an international friendly, there are fears that the three times Africa Champions might crumble due to the firepower of Argentina and the goalkeeping lapses noticed in the game against the Algerians.

Speaking on the match, Erico said there was no cause to worry, as Ezenwa will get better after each game.

“I do not know why journalists raise issues once they have a mindset as against any player. In the match against the Algerians, I think Ezenwa did very well. The few errors that I saw were due to the lapses in the defence line up.

“This is the same guy that has been doing well for the team and has helped qualify the country for the World Cup. He needs time to get better and I believe we should give him some time to improve his performance,” he said.

For Esin, even though Ezenwa is doing his best, every country needs her very best to be able to compete at the World Cup.

“If Gianluigi Buffon of Italy at his age could still be relied upon by his country due to his experience, why can’t we also look in the same direction if that will save us from embarrassment? Esin questioned.