Vincent Enyeama, has been number one for Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has thrown down the gauntlet to goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama on the number one spot.

Keshi, 50, explained that the Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper has been picked as first-choice in the past competitive games owing to his superior form, reports Supersport.com.

The Super Eagles' head coach added that in spite of Enyeama being top of the nation's goalkeeping pecking order he will still be subjected to scrutiny ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying against Liberia in October.

"I didn't gamble with him (in the last game) because he was clearly the best at that time. Gambling is part of the game anyway and it's part of life. But if he must continue to remain our number one then he must prove it when he comes to camp.

"I will not hesitate to continue with Vincent should prove again that he's better than the other goalkeepers that we currently have. Otherwise, I will have no option than to pick whoever is the best for the game against Liberia," said Keshi.

Enyeama has come under criticism from his countrymen following his blunders in the games against Malawi and Liberia in Blantyre and Monrovia respectively while Nigeria was in winning positions.

But Keshi has risen to the defence of the goalkeeper saying: "No goalkeeper or outfield player goes into a game with the intention to make errors. Players often have their bad periods and in the case of Enyeama it is no difference."

Nigeria play host to Liberia in an AFCON qualifying on October 13 in Calabar after the first leg ended 2-2 in Monrovia.