Francis Uzoho is currently facing backlash after another school boy error during the course of Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in yesterday’s friendly game, which took place in Portugal.
In his bid to divert a free kick over the bar, Uzoho turned the ball into his net. It was the third time he has cost the team a goal since he was reinstated as the first choice goalkeeper of the team.
It was his gaffe that cost the team a spot at the last World Cup in Qatar, as he allowed a weak shot by Thomas Partey sailed through his body fot the goal that gave Ghana the edge to qualify ahead of Nigeria on away goals rule during the playoff.
After defending him for yesterday’s error, the coach was asked about his decision to hand a recall to Maduka Okoye, who lost his spot to Uzoho after his error at the last AFCON against Tunisia which led to their elimination from the tournament.
He said he has always had faith in Okoye, but kept him out of the team because he didn’t get to play when he was at Watford. He said his quality is not in doubt just like the other goalkeepers in the team.
“Maduka didn’t play a lot since last season he doesn’t play a lot. Maduka comes It’s better I see for everybody he knows because Adeleye and Ojo didn’t come at the right time he knows but he has quality, I believe in him even I called him when he doesn’t play. He stays on the bench every time I think he has capacity like Uzoho, like Adeleye and the other but he needs to play”, he stated.
