Emmanuel Daniel who kept goal for Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympic has given his backing to Super Eagles goalkepper at the Russia 2018 World Cup Francis Odinaka Uzoho .
Uzoho was in goal for Nigeria in the 0-2 loss they suffered in their opening game against Croatia, and Daniel said the goalkeeper did enough to justify the reason why he was selected to start in goal ahead of the duo of Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi.
Speaking to Owngoalnigeria.com in Kaduna, the former Orlando Pirates shot stopper explained that Uzoho guarded his box smartly and also barked out instructions which helped the team keep their shape at the back.
” I like what I saw that day against Croatia. He was quick off his line and also first to balls in the box. You can also see his organisation sense from the way he was barking out instructions to the defenders. It helps in keeping the shape of the team in defence “, Daniel told Owngoalnigeria.com in Kaduna.
On areas the goalkeeper need to improve on, Daniel said it’s normal for a goalkeeper to lack some attributes, hence Uzoho should work on his distribution from the back using his feet as it will help the team in setting up attacks on time.
” Maybe his delivery from the back should have been better. A very good kick out of the box will no doubt help the team in setting up attacks. Generally his strong points are more than his weak sides”, Daniel concluded.
Osas Mahawi
