Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has a key decision to make in goal ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Jordan after Maduka Okoye was ruled out with a thigh injury, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okoye had been expected to start after recently returning to the national team, but the Udinese goalkeeper picked up the injury in training in Antalya. The former Watford star's absence leaves Nigeria without their first two goalkeeping options, as Stanley Nwabali is not part of the squad for this international window.
That situation has brought renewed focus on Francis Uzoho, who is now the most experienced goalkeeper available in camp. Chelle must decide whether to trust that experience or hand an opportunity to Adebayo Adeleye, who has fewer appearances at international level.
The timing makes the decision more important. The match against Jordan is Nigeria’s final game in the four-nation invitational tournament, and a win could secure top spot. Chelle is expected to prioritise stability, which may favour Uzoho despite recent competition for places.
Uzoho’s recent club form has also strengthened his case. The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper was named man of the match in a European fixture late last year and has recorded clean sheets in the Cyprus league. Those performances suggest a player regaining confidence at a crucial moment for both club and country.
Okoye's injury adds to Eric Chelle's worries as the Malian coach is already without Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi who both left camp for various reasons.
Nigeria: Uzoho’s Super Eagles journey
Uzoho’s international career has followed a mixed path since his debut in 2017. He first made his mark in a friendly against Argentina, coming off the bench to help Nigeria secure a 4-2 win. That performance quickly pushed him into the spotlight.
Less than a year later, he became Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, starting all three group matches at just 19 years old. His composure at such a young age marked him out as a long-term option.
However, his progress was disrupted in 2019 when he suffered a serious knee injury during a friendly against Brazil. The injury kept him out for several months and opened the door for other goalkeepers to compete for the position.
Since then, Uzoho has struggled for consistency. One of the most difficult moments came in 2022, when a costly error against Ghana contributed to Nigeria missing out on the World Cup. He also faced criticism for mistakes in later friendlies, which led to him losing his starting place before the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite those setbacks, he has remained part of the national team setup, earning 36 caps and featuring in multiple major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
Now, with Okoye unavailable, Uzoho has another opportunity to take responsibility. His experience, combined with improved recent form, could make him the safest choice for Chelle as Nigeria look to finish their tournament strongly.
