The Portuguese tactician threw his support behind the former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper following his error-strewn performances
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dosu Joseph has expressed astonishment over recent remarks made by Coach Jose Peseiro and Francis Uzoho in response to mounting criticism of Uzoho's below-par displays, Soccernet.ng reports.
Uzoho's unimpressive displays during friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal have prompted doubts about his suitability as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper.
The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper conceded four goals in two games as the Super Eagles drew against the Asian powerhouse and narrowly defeated the Mambas.
It would be recalled that Uzoho was partly at fault for the goal that helped Ghana stop Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations around the corner, Nigerians have called for the national team management to seek a more competent option between the posts.
However, in a surprising turn of events, coach Peseiro has criticised fans for blaming his goalkeepers.
The Portuguese coach noted that Super Eagles strikers do not face as much scrutiny, even when they miss glaring scoring opportunities, especially pointing out the number of chances wasted by the team during their last friendly match against Mozambique.
In a chat with DailyTrust about the apparent goalkeeping crisis ahead of the 2023 AFCON in January, Dosu Joseph expressed his disbelief at Peseiro and Uzoho's apparent disregard for the problem.
He said, “I was shocked when I read the comments of Jose Peseiro, which suggested that there is no problem.
“He said when strikers miss goals, they are not criticised, which means he does not want his goalkeepers to be called out even when they make mistakes.
“I am surprised that he is comfortable with what is happening, and his employers are not saying anything. Well, if NFF are comfortable with it, that’s fine.”
Dosu also commented on Uzoho's response, noting,
“I also read that Uzoho himself said those Nigerians who are criticising him should come for trials in Europe and show how good they are. Maybe he is not happy with those who want him to be a better goalkeeper.
“It is surprising how these present players respond to those who criticise them. If even former internationals are not qualified to correct them, then it is better to keep quiet.”
Dosu, the only home-based player in the squad, was the number-one goalkeeper as Nigeria stunned the world to win the gold medal at the 1996 Atalanta Olympic Games.
I blame the coach who showed no respect to the football- loving Nigerians by ignoring their concerns about the continual heartbreaks this Uzoho has been giving Nigerians through numerous howlers that had left many hope dashed.
I cannot understand that spectacular feat Uzoho bring to the team that Adeleye or other home based keepers cannot bring even if it’s friendly test them that is what Nigerians are saying but alas they won’t listen and funny and strange enough the NFF kept mute, .
I ask what sacriledge had Nff committed that made them speechless in the face of Peseiro’s recalcitrance? A dey wonder o.
in a country of over 200 million people, Nigeria can not produce one competent goalkeeper? I can’t even begin to understand it, and then this boy has the effontry to post on X that if it was easy, people criticizing him for turning a simple cross into his own net should come to Europe for trials?this boy must be devoid of a brain and the supposed national coach is supporting him? what a circus, what did Nigeria do to deserve such mediocrity
This is sad
uzoho is really stupid, maduka Okoye apologised and even went on self imposed exile from d team after the AFCON exit and he is far better dan uzoho
we have Lawal in Austria and another kazeem in Sweden all doing way better
the likes of Ade in Israel
why not call up NPL best goalkeeper so far Christian from sporting Lagos
i don’t know how much uzoho’s manager has paid to keep him in the team else they would have dropped him for long
uzoho can’t win anything poor reflexes poor positioning can’t arrange his wall during free kicks direct or indirect adisaster he needs a quick replacement otherwise things r thick and by the way he is not even astarter at his club
To me, Uzoho over confidence is killing him, and he as cost us so many, the world cup ticket against Ghana, he cost us that. The coach should please, try other keepers. We have two internationals that are waiting for the NFF to call them, and they are ready to switch.. Please, we no fit use these Uzoho guy for world cup abeg
He is a bet staker that’s why he is making those costly mistakes and not a goalkeeper. The boy has made a lot of people not to watch super eagles matches. Is very unfortunate
The boy should be investigated for betting activities. Look at how he used his hand to carry football into his net. He should be dropped from the team.
I don’t blame them. I blame the illness that took Carl Ikeme out of the squad thereby making room for Uzoho and I bet that Adeleye is a better goal keep than the Omonia Nicosia man.
unless money is robbin hands, some players don’t deserve to be with SuperEAGLE.
NFF should go for the sporting lagos goalkeeper
Coach Peseiro has overstayed his welcome.
He should be relieved of his contract with immediate effect.