Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has backed goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi who was singled out for criticism by many for Nigeria's hoke defeat to South Africa.
Akpeyi, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, spilled a routine cross in the first half which almost led to a goal, then did little to prevent both goals as the South Africans won 2-0.
But Rohr backed his goalkeeper.
"It is not my style to criticize a player in public. First, I will speak with the player," said Rohr.
"It was a difficult game for him because he didn't have so much work in the first half except for one or two situations. These kind of games are very difficult for a goalkeeper but it's not the fault of the goalkeeper," he added.
However, Rohr implied that the Chippa United keeper might be dropped in their next match.
"For the next game, Carl will be back from his injury and then we'll see.
"I trust in these players because they played so well in the first half. There is no excuses for the missing players.
"But the spirit and the game they played for one hour, I was satisfied. We win and we lose together.
"For the next game against Cameroon, we will be much better," said Rohr.
