“The past is the past” – Francis Uzoho silences critics ahead of Super Eagles AFCON opener against Tanzania

Super Eagles and Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has reacted to the Nigerian football fans who feel his call-up to Eric Chelle's AFCON squad was undeserved, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old was Nigeria's number one goalkeeper at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but his performances after have raised questions about his abilities, especially his error against Ghana in 2022, which prevented the Super Eagles from going to the 2018 World Cup.

Uzoho's last appearance for the Green and Whites came during the AFCON 2023 round of 16 clash against Cameroon, where he came off the bench for the final ten minutes after Stanley Nwabali picked up an injury.

The former Elche goalkeeper has played just five games for his club side this season, and his inclusion in Eric Chelle's squad shocked many, considering Maduka Okoye, a regular at Udinese, was not picked.

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Super Eagles: Uzoho not focusing on past events

The 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup winner will be featuring in his fourth AFCON tournament, and the journey so far has been one of gratitude for him.

“I'm at my fourth AFCON, it's a thing of joy for me, and also, I thank God for giving me the strength to be always fit whenever the time comes, and it's a good feeling,” the 1.96m tall goalkeeper said in an interview with Elegbete TV Sports.

“Each of the goalkeepers have their special abilities. The goalkeeping position is a special position, and we find a way to create a healthy competition for us within the squad.

Several people were surprised by his inclusion, given his history of letting errors get the better of him in the Nigerian jersey. Still, Uzoho made it clear that he's put all of that behind him.

“Like I said, the past is the past, I don't dwell in the past. Every time I have an opportunity, I always give my best and that's what I intend to do if I get the chance this time around, but the fans should expect a good performance from anyone who gets to play.

About losing his starting spot to Stanley Nwabali after he made an error in 2022, Uzoho said he reacted to the situation positively.

“Positively, because it's a game of competition. In every position on the team, we have two or three great players in that position.

“The competition has to be there, so when he was chosen, I gave him my support, and if he's chosen again, it's the same,” he concluded.

Barring any injuries or fitness problems, Stanley Nwabali is expected to remain the undisputed starting goalkeeper for Nigeria during the AFCON tournament, with Uzoho and Amas Obasogie standing in place as deputies.