Head coach Eric Chelle has named Francis Uzoho as Nigeria’s new first choice goalkeeper. He made the decision as the Super Eagles prepare for matches later this month.
Stanley Nwabali is currently without a club. He ended his contract with Chippa United and has not signed with a new team. As a result, Chelle needed a reliable number one goalkeeper.
Uzoho was second choice at the last AFCON, where Nigeria finished third. However, Chelle acted quickly and handed him the top spot.
Maduka Okoye was expected to compete for the role. The Udinese goalkeeper seemed a strong option.
Yet he missed AFCON after he allegedly refused a call-up when told he would not be first choice. That decision affected his standing with the coach.
Okonkwo Set To Compete For Spot
Uzoho will not have an easy path. Arthur Okonkwo, who plays for Wrexham, is now in the squad. He recently switched his nationality from England to Nigeria.
Okonkwo can feature in friendly matches without delay. However, he must wait for FIFA approval before playing in competitive games.
That includes AFCON qualifiers and World Cup qualifiers.
For now, Chelle has made his choice clear. Uzoho will start as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper. Still, competition remains strong as the team prepares for important fixtures.
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He is friendly in March