Super Eagles ’keeper Uzoho speaks ahead of World Cup battles

By Daily Sports on June 12, 2018

Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho says he is still learning as he admitted he is surprised at what he has achieved in the last eight months.

The 19-year-old made his Super Eagles debut against Argentina in November and has since been elevated to first choice keeper ahead of the World Cup.

The Deportivo La Coruna player has just two Spanish La Liga matches and six international friendly appearances under his belt.

“I didn’t see myself here six months ago so I understand why people would easily praise and criticise,” Uzoho told BBC Sport.

“I got here through sheer hard work and self belief, but in football the goalkeepers often face a lot of criticism and we accept that.

“Playing for your country is a big responsibility, for the friendly games it's a learning curve and I’ve just have to keep at it.

“It’s been a big surprise but I take it all in by giving my best.”

Despite his relative inexperience he has established himself as Nigeria's number one ahead of experienced duo Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

In October 2017, Uzoho became the youngest foreign goalkeeper to ever play in La Liga and marked a memorable Deportivo La Coruna debut with a clean sheet.

His form in Spain caught the attention of Gernot Rohr and he was named in the 24-man squad to take on Algeria in a World Cup qualifier and then a friendly against Argentina in November.

“It’s been like a dream and sometimes I just continue to thank God for everything and the coaches for the opportunity,” Uzoho said.

“My biggest hero for Nigeria remains Vincent Enyeama [the country’s most capped player with 101 appearances] and I always admire him.

“To think I was watching him at the last World Cup in Brazil, making that incredible save against Bosnia, to now getting a chance to follow in his footsteps is unbelievable.

“I have faced some tough players in La Liga and some friendly games, I believe I still have a lot to do in my career.

“We have a good squad and I am mentally prepared and ready.”

Uzoho was part of the victorious Nigeria squad at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, albeit without playing a single minute at the tournament.

He only arrived at the club from Qatar’s Aspire Academy in January 2017. (BBC)

Photo shows Uzoho

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 12, 2018


 

You may also like...
Messi to lead Argentina’s attack at 2018 World...

Europa League: Victor Moses Shines For Spartak Moscow...

Enugu Rangers Appoint Caretaker Manager as Gbenga Ogunbote...

Man Utd Vs Young Boys Preview

Rohr: It Is a Joy Qualifying for AFCON...

Eriksen has right to consider future away from...

 

Latest News Hearn slams Ngannou over Joshua defeat excuse Chelsea eye Martinez to replace Osimhen Visa unveils Amusan, Nwachukwu as global ambassadors I’m not under pressure to coach Eagles – Finidi Super Eagles focused on World Cup qualifiers – Omeruo Ibrahim: Striker who wants to emulate Lukaku at Chelsea Boniface ranked best African performer in Europe Napoli may reduce Osimhen price tag Mali beat Nigeria 2-0 in international friendly NOC commends Team Nigeria, government, media for victory at African Games JOF U-13 Cup: 8 Clubs Qualify For Quarterfinals Osimhen resumes training, fit for Atalanta clash

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (53,402 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (44,406 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (42,549 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (42,225 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (42,007 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (41,889 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (41,774 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (41,229 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (40,277 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (39,186 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (37,640 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (37,216 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media