News

“I need to train him better” – Super Eagles coach retains faith in Francis Uzoho despite Saudi blunder

Jose Peseiro has often trusted Francis Uzoho as his first-choice goalkeeper since he started coaching the Super Eagles on May 15th, 2022.

Super Eagles boss, Jose Vitor Peseiro, has come out to defend his first-choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho despite the goalkeeper’s blunder costing Nigeria a win yesterday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Portuguese tactician invited Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo for the Super Eagles’ friendlies during the International break, but opted for the Omonia F.C. goalkeeper to be between the sticks against Saudi Arabia.

Nigeria could have secured a win after coming from behind to lead 2-1, but a late-minute free kick was fumbled by the handling of Uzoho, meaning the Super Eagles left the Estádio Municipal de Portimão with a draw.

Concerns have been raised for a while now over the quality of goalkeepers in the current Eagles squad, and the blunder against Saudi Arabia looks to have opened old wounds for Nigerian football fans.

The coach, however, has taken responsibility for his player’s mistakes, claiming the criticism they face is unfair and uncalled for.

“I like our players. When they make mistakes, it is my responsibility. The goalkeepers never play freely or calmly because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time. Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose a ball or miss a goal?” the 63-year-old mentioned in his post-match interview.

The coach mentioned that if the fans could hold back their criticism, maybe the goalkeepers would perform better.
“When I arrived here, I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper. I spoke with all of them, no one felt comfortable because everybody attacked them. They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (uzoho) better,” He added.

The draw against Saudi Arabia left a bitter aftertaste in the mouth of Nigerian football fans, and they’ll hope for a resurgence when they take on Mozambique on Monday.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria. With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience. He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

View Comments

Share
Published by
Adefolahan Guerreiro

Recent Posts

Nigerian striker suffers painful injury in last match before international break

Nigerian striker Akor Adams suffered a muscle injury in Montpelier's 3-1 win over Brest at… Read More

55 mins ago

SPFL: Early Dessers strike seals 1-0 win for Rangers over Hearts

Super Eagles and Rangers striker, Cyriel Kolawole Dessers made all the difference for the Scottish… Read More

3 hours ago

“The duo worked very well” – Galatasaray coach bemoans Icardi absence despite Osimhen’s brace against Samsunspor

Galatasaray head coach, Okan Buruk, has revealed his side missed Argentina striker, Mauro Icardi in… Read More

3 hours ago

Premier League: Newcastle spoil Aina and Awoniyi’s Nottingham Party; Ndidi’s Leicester City succumb to big loss at Manchester United

Super Eagles stars Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina were on the losing side as Nottingham… Read More

5 hours ago

“It gave us confidence” – Osimhen eyes Super Eagles boost after Galatasaray brace

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen is set to rejoin the national team after being named… Read More

5 hours ago

Osimhen and Batshuayi combine to down Samsunspor as Galatasaray clinch six straight wins

Super Eagles striker, Victor James Osimhen, scored a brace to help Galatasaray secure a 3-2… Read More

6 hours ago