Francis Odinaka Uzoho, the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, is facing scrutiny for his recent performances, which have seen a string of errors leading to goals for Nigeria. Despite being the first choice for the Super Eagles under manager Jose Peseiro, Uzoho missed out on a nomination in the goalkeeper of the year category for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) annual awards.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper, who currently plays for Omonia Nicosia, has not made a single appearance for his club side this season. Nevertheless, his trust as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper remains unwavering.
As CAF unveiled the list of nominees for the annual awards, Uzoho’s name was conspicuously absent. Instead, other notable goalkeepers from across the continent secured nominations.
Among the nominated goalkeepers were Europa League winner Yassine Bounou, who played a pivotal role in helping Morocco reach the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup—an impressive feat for an African nation.
Manchester United’s Andre Onana, who was part of Inter Milan’s Serie A triumph and their journey to the UEFA Champions League final, was another nominee. Onana ultimately lost out to Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, who secured a historic treble.
The list of nominated goalkeepers also included Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy, Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, Algeria’s Oussama Benbot, and Mali’s Djigui Diarra, showcasing the exceptional talent between the goalposts in African football.
Uzoho’s omission from the nominations has sparked discussions among Nigerians, both at home and abroad.
Many have urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to intensify their scouting efforts for the goalkeeper position within the Super Eagles. Consistent errors by various goalkeepers have cost the team important opportunities, such as qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The collective call for improved scouting reflects a growing desire for excellence within the national team’s ranks.