Super Eagles’ Coach Confirms Who Is the Number 1 Goalie Between Uzoho and Okoye

Super Eagles’ Coach Confirms Who Is the Number 1 Goalie Between Uzoho and Okoye

Ibitoye Shittu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:18 PM
  • Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has been confirmed as the Super Eagles number one goalie
  • Ike Shorunmu explained that Uzoho remains the first choice ahead of Okoye until a better goalie is discovered
  • Uzoho was in action for the Super Eagles when they played their last international friendly against Portugal

Ike Shorunmu who is the Super Eagles goalkeeping coach has stated emphatically that Francis Uzoho is the current number one choice in the national team ahead of Okoye.

Over the months, there have been serious competition in the Super Eagles for the first choice between Uzoho and Okoye with the Omonia goalie getting the chance in recent games.

During the 2021 African Cup of Nations, Okoye was between the sticks for the Super Eagles and he also had the chances under former coach Gernot Rohr.

Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye, Super Eagles, Shorunmu, number 1
Ike Shorunmu confirms who is the number 1 goalie between Uzoho and Okoye. Photo by Shaun Botterill
Source: Getty Images

But since Jose Peseiro took over as the new gaffer of the Super Eagles, Uzoho has been the preferred goalkeeper.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

Uzoho was also in brilliant form when he featured for his club against Manchester United in the Europa League even though he conceded late goal.

According to the report on Soccernet, Shorunmu explained that Uzoho will continue to be the first choice goalie until they another option better than him.

Statement made by Shorunmu

“As you can see, the Nigeria Professional Football League has not been active, and we cannot assess the goalkeepers right now.
“So, Uzoho will remain the first-choice goalkeeper till a better keeper is discovered from the NPFL or any other league.
“I have been an advocate of sourcing for keepers in the domestic scene, and that vision still stands. The doors are still open for more keepers to compete in the national team.”

Man United urged to sign Uzoho

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Nigerian coach Folabi Ojekunle encouraged those in charge of Premier League side Manchester United to go for the signing of Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.

This comes after Uzoho produced a fantastic performance while featuring for his club, Omonia, on Thursday night, 13 October, in the Europa League against the Red Devils.

In the tie against the Old Trafford landlords, Uzoho made 12 saves, denying the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Rashford, even though he later conceded at the death to give Man United 1-0 win.

Ojekunle, who is a London trained coach, explained that Uzoho has shown the world his ability and wants the goalkeeper to move to Man United.

Authors
Ibitoye Shittu photo
Ibitoye Shittu
Editor- Local Desk
Tags
NigeriaNigeria Football Federation (NFF)