Nigerians to Peseiro: Super Eagles need a new goalkeeper

Following the Francis Uzoho howler vs Saudi Arabia, Nigerians have asked Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Peseiro to get a new goalkeeper for the team .

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho who started the International Friendly game vs Saudi Arabia has come in for heavy criticism for palming Salman Al-Faraj curled free-kick into his goal at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao, Portugal.

That goal handed Saudi Arabia the lead but the encounter was turned on its head when Al-Amri scored in his own goal before Super Eagles substitute, Kelechi Iheanacho beat the Green Falcons goalkeeper with a powerful strike from distance to put Nigeria 2-1 up.

Saudi Arabia did level matters deep into stoppage time via a Mohammed Kanno free-kick to force a 2-2 draw.

In reaction to the error by Francis Uzoho, Nigerians have called for a change between the sticks, saying Francis Uzoho cannot be trusted for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

According to reactions on social media, most Nigerians are recommending Israel-based Adebayo Adeleye to be handed the first choice goalkeeping spot for the Eagles.

SportsRation correspondent Nsikakabasi Akpan asked if Francis Uzoho can be trusted between the sticks for the upcoming AFCON, there some Nigerians expressed their thoughts, most of which are very popular per the Super Eagles goalkeeping department.

Uguge Modey a Rovers FC of Calabar management staff was first in the section, he identified goalkeeping as the Super Eagles major problem.

He wrote; ” Our major problem is goal keeping in 9ja.” 

Bendel Insurance FC of Benin stunch supporter, Christopher Lee; ” He (Uzoho) has no business in super eagles.”

Edidiong Imah picked Jose Peseiro for blame over Nigeria’s floundering goalkeeping section; ” What’s Peseiro’s job if he can’t find one tentative goalkeeper even in our local clubs.? ” 

@EmmanuelOdafi rolled down memory lane in his submission; ” Same excuse as we missed the world cup…. Same excuse as we lost out at the last afcon… So much talent up front but been let down by a silly mistake at the post all the time…. Guess the team has to score 5 or 6 goals to know they are safe.

@SnowballzObongEtte picked Uzoho’s lack of game time at Cypriot club, Omonia Nicosia as reason he shouldn’t be first choice for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON; ” We can’t [ Trust him in goal at the AFCON] He’s not even a starter with club.” 

Osaze Omorodion recommended an alternative; ” Amas obasogie of bendel insurance should be giving a chance Francis Uzoho have no business in our national team.” 

@IdiowaSampson; ” I no day for long talk. The guy no good. We need a better option.” 

@HoseaSarkinaYaya compared Uzoho to Maduka Okoye and offered his judgement; ” Maduka okoye is better than this Guy.” 

@UnyimeSamuel Said No to Uzoho manning the Super Eagles post at the AFCON; ” No, we should scout for other options.” 

WHAT PESEIRO THINKS: In his post match interview, Jose Peseiro acknowledged he was briefed and asked to change the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles when he took charge in 2022.

At the time, Nigerians were grappling with Maduka Okoye’s error in the AFCON last-16 loss to Tunisia and another by Uzoho in the World Cup qualification playoffs vs Ghana.

” When I arrived here, I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper. I spoke with all of them, No one feels comfortable because everybody attacked them.” Peseiro acknowledged in his post match interview before offering a defence for his goalkeeper’s mistake vs  Saudi Arabia.

“I like our players, when they make mistakes it is my responsibility.

“The goalkeepers never play free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time.

“Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss a goal, why?

” They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (Uzoho) better.” Peseiro promised.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will face the Mambas of Mozambique in another International Friendly game on Monday, October 16 at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao, Portugal.

Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Peseiro is expected to ring changes to the side that faced Saudi Arabia. One of the expected changes will be a change of guard in goal, with Maduka Okoye heavily tipped to start.