Francis Uzoho is expected to be Nigeria's Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper at the AFCON2023.
Under-fire Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has received backing from compatriot Osayi Kingdom ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
Uzoho is set to be Nigeria’s number-one choice goalkeeper at the tournament in Ivory Coast despite heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike.
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Uzoho gets praise
The 25-year-old has been in the news lately following a string of uninspiring performances for the Super Eagles.
Several errors from the Cyprus-based shot-stopper have eroded belief and trust, casting doubts over Uzoho’s ability to lead Nigeria from the back.
However, with just days to the Super Eagles’ first game against Equatorial Guinea, the goalkeeper has received backing from a colleague in the NPFL.
Doma United goalkeeper, Osayi, believes Uzoho is ready to shine for Nigeria in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I don't see failure in you,” Kingdom said in a tweet on his official account on X. “I see possibilities I see a winner. It's time to shine,” he added.
Osayi in the NPFL
The former MFM FC man has been in superb form for his CAFCL-chasing club, Doma United, in the NPFL.
Osayi has proven to be a bulwark in between the sticks for the Savannah Tigers, keeping 13 clean sheets in 17 matches this season.
His impressive form led to conversations about a possible invitation to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2023 AFCON.
However, the Doma star missed out on the initial 40-man list released by Jose Peseiro, with two goalkeepers from Enyimba and Bendel Insurance named.
Despite being ignored by the national team selectors, Osayi has given his full backing to Uzoho, who he believes will make Nigerians proud in Ivory Coast.
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