The Hapoel Jerusalem goalie has made only one appearance for the former African champions, but he is being tipped to take over from Francis Uzoho
Former Nigeria youth international Joseph Dosu has advised Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro to replace Francis Uzoho with Adebayo Adeleye, Soccernet.ng reports.
Peseiro has often deployed Uzoho as the Super Eagles’ number-one goalkeeper since the Portuguese tactician was appointed the national team head coach in May last year.
Only once has Peseiro given Adeleye a starting spot in the team – in the 3-2 win over Sierra Leone during the AFCON qualifiers – when Uzoho was suspended.
However, when placed between the goalposts, Uzoho has not delivered many convincing displays for the three-time African champions.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper was at fault for a couple of goals that Nigeria conceded in October during international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Uzoho did not impress in goal as the Super Eagles wobbled to two frustrating score draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Following Nigeria’s disappointing start to the World Cup qualifiers, Dosu believes Peseiro is unfair to stick with Uzoho, who rarely plays for his Cypriot side, Omonia Nicosia.
With the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament fast approaching, Dosu has urged the Super Eagles head coach to try out Adeleye, who has been in good form for Israel’s Hapoel Jerusalem.
“If Uzoho is not doing well, which can happen to any player, then let the coach look elsewhere and bring in a replacement,” the Atalanta 1996 gold medal-winning goalkeeper told Sport247.
“I am personally of the opinion that giving Adeleye a chance to prove himself will be the best decision for the coach.”
Uzoho has not kept a clean sheet in any of Nigeria’s last four games in all competitions, conceding six goals.
