Fußball, Nigeria Nationalteam Training UYO, NIGERIA - SEPTEMBER 8: Francis Uzoho of Super Eagles during a training section in preparation for the 2023 African Cup Of Nations qualifiers AFCON match between Nigeria and Sao Tome match at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 8, 2023 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria international goalkeeper Francis Uzoho endured a frustrating evening as his outing was cut short during Omonia Nicosia’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Spartakos Kitiou in the Cyprus Cup on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Uzoho, making just his third start of the season, has largely played second fiddle to 36-year-old Brazilian veteran Fabiano Ribeiro de Freitas this term.
The 26-year-old Super Eagles goalkeeper was named in the starting lineup by Greek coach Yannis Anastasiou, who fielded a strong team for the second-round clash against the Division 2 side Spartakos Kitiou.
Omonia wasted little time in asserting their dominance, with early goals from Loizos Loizou and Ewandro Felipe in the 8th and 11th minutes, respectively, giving the home side a commanding lead.
However, trouble struck in the 15th minute when Uzoho went down following a collision with an opponent.
Despite the best efforts of Omonia’s medical team, the Nigerian was unable to continue and was replaced by 26-year-old Cyprus international Charalampos Kyriakidis.
The injury setback did little to derail Omonia’s attacking momentum.
The Cypriot giants added further goals through Loizou, Ewandro, a brace from teenage forward Angelos Neophytou, and a strike from Roman Bezus to record their biggest win of the season and secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the Cyprus Cup.
Uzoho, however, will be disappointed with this latest setback, as it robs him of an opportunity to prove his quality and stake a claim for a first-team spot.
Before Wednesday’s match, Uzoho had only made two appearances for Omonia this season: a 3-1 win over Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Conference League in December and a 2-0 Cyprus League loss to Anorthosis on January 7.
As of press time, Omonia Nicosia had yet to release an official statement regarding the severity of Uzoho’s injury. The former Deportivo La Coruña goalkeeper will be hoping for a swift recovery to full fitness.
Even as a second-choice goalkeeper, Uzoho remains an important figure for both Omonia Nicosia and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
His contributions could prove crucial as Omonia pursue their first league title since 2021 and Nigeria aim to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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