Francis Uzoho has come under heavy criticism but Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, will not join Nigerians to attack the goalkeeper.
Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, has once again come to the defence of underfire goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho.
Uzoho has come under criticism after recent mistakes following the Super Eagles' double-header international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
20:36 - 20.10.2023
Super Eagles: Nnadozie and 4 goalkeepers Nigerians recommend to replace Francis Uzoho
Nigerians continue to vent their frustration on Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and have recommended several goalkeepers as his replacement to the Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro.
18:05 - 19.10.2023
Uzoho apologizes to Nigerians: Super Eagles goalkeeper still 24 will do better
24-year-old Super Eagles goalkeeper Uzoho explains his actions addressing Nigerian football critics on Snapchat.
The 24-year-old’s performance in between the sticks in both games became the biggest debate after the Super Eagles struggled to a draw and a win in both matches.
Uzoho’s form for Nigeria
In the four-goal thriller against Saudi Arabia, despite a dominant display from Peseiro’s men, an Uzoho blunder gifted the Green Falcons the lead against the run of play.
Victor Boniface and super-sub, Kelechi Iheanacho, restored Nigeria’s pride with two goals before the Falcons scored Uzoho again late to force a 2-2 draw.
“I like our players, (and) when they make mistakes, it is my responsibility,” Peseiro stated after the game as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria.
“They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time, I need to train him better,” he added.“They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time, I need to train him better.”
Peseiro forced to defend Uzoho again
Three days after the game against Saudi Arabia, Peseiro gave Uzoho another chance to redeem himself against fellow Africans, in Mozambique.
However, the Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper failed to cover himself in glory as he conceded another soft goal to put the Mambas ahead.
Like this game against the Falcons, the Eagles fought back before holding on for a 3-2 win courtesy of goals from Terem Moffi, Moses Simon and Frank Onyeka.
But Uzoho’s earlier mistake reopened old wounds which added to the heated talking point which has now led to Peseiro coming out to defend his goalkeeper again.
“The only problem for me is if Uzoho doesn’t resist (the criticism),” Peseiro added per a BBC report.
“The criticism is good for us also, sometimes it can open our eyes. But I know that in Nigeria, people prefer to attack the goalkeeper.
“With me, Uzoho has only made one mistake until now,” he concluded.
As Nigerians turn their attention to future matches and competitions, the bond between the coach and player will remain essential.
However, while Nigerians may frown at his latest defence, Peseiro’s stance on the matter could bolster Uzoho’s confidence and also send a power message about unity, growth, and resilience within the Super Eagles camp.
Related content
20:36 - 20.10.2023
Super Eagles: Nnadozie and 4 goalkeepers Nigerians recommend to replace Francis Uzoho
Nigerians continue to vent their frustration on Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and have recommended several goalkeepers as his replacement to the Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro.
06:42 - 20.10.2023
Osimhen injury: Napoli president believes only players younger than 22 should be called up for international duty
Despite the ongoing tensions between Osimhen and Napoli, the club's president has rued the striker's absence through injury and called for a reform of international football laws
22:02 - 19.10.2023
Boniface proves his fashion sense matches scoring prowess in latest classic look
Nigeria's Victor Boniface has taken his art off the pitch as he showcases his fashion style in the latest pictures.
21:07 - 19.10.2023
‘I sold Koulibably, I can sell Osimhen’ — Napoli boss frustrated with Nigerian striker’s contract talks
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is now open to selling Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen after the Nigerian striker's refusal to sign a new contract with the club
16:18 - 19.10.2023
Wilfred Ndidi: Super Eagles maestro gets reward for new form with Leicester City award
Nigeria Super Eagles Wilfred Ndidi has been a revelation in his new role at Leicester City this season.
16:02 - 19.10.2023
Oshoala breaks IN as Super Eagles stars dominate Top 10 Most Followed Nigerian Athletes in 2023
Pulse Sports have revealed the list of the most-followed Nigerian athletes on social media in 2023 with only one female making the cut.
14:48 - 18.10.2023
Boniface: Ex-Chelsea defender Rudiger mimics Super Eagles' striker after scoring in thrilling Mexico clash
Former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger paid homage to Nigeria's Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface after he copied his goal celebration.
13:16 - 18.10.2023
Jordan Torunarigha celebrates dumping Germany for Nigeria after Super Eagles debut
Gent defender Torunarigha believes this is just the start after finally debuting for the Nigeria Super Eagles after ditching Germany.
11:52 - 18.10.2023
'Do it if it's easy' - Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho fires back at critics
Francis Uzoho, Super Eagles' number one goalkeeper has hit back at critics following his performance against Mozambique
11:32 - 18.10.2023
Nigeria Super Eagles: Nigerians callout Peseiro after watching the real Eagles thrash Saudi Arabia
Observations and reactions from Nigeria Super Eagles supporters after Mali defeated Saudi Arabia.
15:37 - 17.10.2023
AFCON 2023 T minus 3 months: More questions than answers for Peseiro's Super Eagles
Just under 90 days to the start of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria remain a team with little tactical coherence and myriad personnel uncertainties
07:43 - 17.10.2023
Super Eagles boss Jose Peseiro delighted after ending winless run
Nigeria's Super Eagles defeated Mozambique to record their first friendly win since 2019.