Uzoho Inspires Omonia Nicosia to victory and top-spot in Cyprus

Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho made crucial saves to lead Omonia Nicosia to a 2-1 triumph over Karmiotissa in the Cypriot First Division on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

This marks Uzoho’s second consecutive start for Omonia Nicosia, having previously featured in the team’s 0-2 victory over Nea Salamis a week ago.

Omonia Nicosia’s manager, Sofronis Avgousti, expressed trust in the Super Eagle goalkeeper once again, and Uzoho did not disappoint.

Despite conceding a goal, his performance played a pivotal role in securing maximum points for Omonia Nicosia, propelling them to the top of the Cypriot First Division standings with 32 points from 15 games. APOEL Nicosia follows closely in second place with an equal point tally but a game in hand.

Prior to these recent starts, the 25-year-old Uzoho had played second fiddle to the 35-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper, Fabiano, who started 13 league games this season.

However, Uzoho has now taken the spotlight with stellar performances in the last two games.

Uzoho’s game-time with Omonia Nicosia comes as positive news for Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, who recently included the embattled goalkeeper in the provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Uzoho has faced criticism for errors leading to goals during previous matches, putting his position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in jeopardy.

Returning to action at the club level and delivering standout performances will undoubtedly serve as a significant confidence boost for Uzoho as he gears up to compete for his spot in the Nigerian team at the upcoming AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The goalkeeper’s resilience and form for Omonia Nicosia could play a crucial role in determining his role in the Nigeria national team as they aim for success in the continental tournament which gets underway on January 13, 2023 in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria will face hosts, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau in group A.