He has only made one mistake - Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro defends Uzoho again

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. 

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.

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.”

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.