Francis Uzoho has come under plenty of stick for his numerous gaffes as the goalkeeper of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, with plenty of questions over his suitability for the role.
For all the Super Eagles fans who are tired of seeing Francis Uzoho in the starting lineup of the national team, they will have to keep enduring as Jose Peseiro wants to continue using the Omonoia FC goalkeeper.
With Nigeria hosting the Crocodiles of Lesotho on Thursday, there is plenty of excitement as the Super Eagles kick off their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The team missed out on the last edition of the World Cup in Qatar, with many blaming Francis Uzoho for the failure, but the former youth goalkeeper looks to continue in the role.
Jose Peseiro; “I believe in Francis Uzoho.”
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Jose Peseiro gives vote of confidence in Francis Uzoho
Francis Uzoho has committed several gaffes in the colours of the Super Eagles.
Despite the plethora of mistakes by the goalkeeper, the national team coach insists that he is the best Nigeria has.
Ahead of the Super Eagles encounter with Lesotho, Peseiro has thrown his weight behind the goalkeeper.
“I understand the fans, the media and everybody, but my decision comes from my head, not other heads,” the Portuguese gaffer said.
“Of course, others can see better than me, but it's my opinion, it's my solution. I keep the confidence in our goalkeeper,” he continued.
Many people have asked that Francis Uzoho be axed from the national and others given a chance, but Pesiro has dug in with his support for the goalkeeper.
The calls have fallen on deaf ears as the Sper Eagles manager is hanging on to his goalkeeper.
Kenneth Omeruo – Francis Uzoho is the best goalkeeper we have now in Super Eagles. pic.twitter.com/RwE6f5qMFo
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The many gaffes of Francis Uzoho
Francis Uzoho has made many mistakes in the line of duty for the Super Eagles, with the most memorable being the 2022 World Cup Playoff game with the Black Stars of Ghana.
The Omonoia of Cyprus goalkeeper could not gather a shot from Thomas Partey and let it roll under his arms for a goal. Nigeria drew the game 1-1, but it was not enough to qualify for the World Cup.
The latest error by the goalkeeper was in the friendly game against Saudi Arabia.
Even Peseiro could not evade that gaffe in the press conference, as he remarked about it.
“Everybody knows he made a mistake against Saudi Arabia. He knows, I know, I spoke with him, he spoke with me.” Peseiro said.
Despite this, he was full of support for Francis Uzoho.
“Uzoho was our goalkeeper in the qualification. I believe in our goalkeepers, and I believe in Uzoho also.” the coach continued.
I know it's too much pressure over the goalkeeper here. I understand the mistakes our goalkeeper makes. I also understand the mistakes our strikers make, but it's normal in football. Peseiro concluded.
The Super Eagles coach also alluded to using another goalkeeper if he gets one better than Uzoho.
So, Uzoho seems to in for an extended stay in the starting eleven of the Super Eagles.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 weeks ago
