Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has given a thumb up to Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi for keeping faith with the first-choice shot stopper, Chigozie Agbim at the Chan.
Agbim's performances in the side's first two matches against Mali and Mozambique raised dust among Nigerians leading to concerted calls for his replacement at the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa.
Rufai said the former Nigerian defender must have been a super human being to withstand the pressure and still allow the Enugu Rangers goaltender to keep his shirt at his lowest point.
"Keshi and his technical crew have done excellently well to keep faith with Agbim as well as assist him to regain self-confidence in the championship.
"Any other coach could have collapsed under the weight of pressure to drop the keeper especially after his unconvincing performances in the games against Mali and Mozambique.
"It's a huge plus and uncanny demonstration of professionalism by the crew to stand by the goalkeeper in his trying time.
"Agbim truly picked up in the game against South Africa and we're most likely to see further improved goalkeeping in the quarterfinals tie against Morocco on Saturday.
"Goalkeeping has always been a position you treat with utmost care especially as it concerns replacement.
"Right now it's no longer an issue for discussion whether or not to drop the goalkeeper as he has picked up both in match and mental fitness as well as perfect conditioning, and tournament rating," said the former Stationery Stores goalkeeper to supersport.com.
Rufai said the Eagles will advance to the semifinals but must work hard to earn the ticket against expected tough North African foes.
"Traditionally, Morocco are fast on the flanks and technically sound but the Eagles can unnerve the side with endurance and strength. That's the edge we have over them that'll decide the game.
"For the Eagles to have survived the hosts with their massive crowd showed no other obstacle will be able to hold them down.
"I'm confident the Eagles will progress to the semifinals at the expense of Morocco," Rufai enthused.
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