Super Eagles coach, José Peseiro, has expressed his support for Francis Uzoho, the team’s goalkeeper, as they get ready to play against Lesotho in the World Cup qualification match on Thursday.
Ever since Carl Ikeme left, Nigeria has been struggling to find a suitable replacement in the goalkeeping department.
Daniel Akpeyi and Maduka Okoye, who are based in South Africa, have faced harsh criticism on social media. Okoye, in particular, has been targeted by online trolls who have made derogatory comments about his appearance and even wished harm upon him and his loved ones.
Uzoho’s performance has been questioned, particularly after he let in two goals from free-kicks in the match against Saudi Arabia.
However, Peseiro, speaking at a media event, strongly believes that Uzoho, who is the number one goalkeeper for AC Omonia, is the most suitable person for the position.
“Uzoho was our goalkeeper in qualification,” he said.
“I believe in our goalkeepers and I believe in Uzoho also but I accept other opinions, including that of the media.
“I know there is too much pressure over the choice of goalkeeper here.”
Despite his confidence in the goalkeeper, he stated that he would replace Uzoho if there was a better option available.
“Everybody knows he made a mistake against Saudi Arabia and I spoke to him and I tried to improve his mentality,” Peseiro said.
“When a better goalkeeper than Uzoho can start the match, I will bring him on. I’m not stupid, I will play with the best players.
“I know we don’t understand the mistakes our goalkeeper makes and also the mistakes our strikers make too and this is normal in football.
“Sometimes our strikers lose chances and our midfielders make the wrong passes and sometimes our goalkeeper makes some mistakes.”
Nigeria, a three-time African champion, will play against Lesotho’s team, the Crocodiles, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. They will also face Zimbabwe on the 19th of the same month in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Super Eagles were unable to qualify for the last World Cup after losing to their eternal rivals, Ghana, on the away goals rule in the tournament’s playoff.
In the race for the 2026 tournament, Nigeria is placed in Group C along with South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.
