The Super Eagles’ coach, José Peseiro, has defended his shot-stopper Francis Uzoho, claiming that he has faith in the 25-year-old as they prepare to face Lesotho in a World Cup qualification match on Thursday.
Nigeria’s goalkeeping department has failed to identify a competent replacement since the departure of Carl Ikeme.
Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi of South Africa and Maduka Okoye of Nigeria have both received harsh criticism on social media, with the latter being tormented by online trolls for anything from his appearance to death wishes for him and his loved ones.
It hasn’t been any different for Uzoho, whose play has been questioned, particularly after he allowed two free-kick goals in this match against Saudi Arabia.
However, Peseiro speaking during a media parley, insisted AC Omonia number one was the best man for the job.
“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 faith in the goalkeeper, he maintained he would replace Uzoho if there was a better option.
“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, three-time African champions, will face the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before locking horns with Zimbabwe on the 19th of the same month in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Super Eagles missed the last edition of the World Cup after losing out on the away goals rule to the eternal rivals Ghana in the tournament’s playoff.
In the race for the 2026 tournament, Nigeria are in Group C alongside South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.