The consistent subpar performances of Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, have left many Nigerians bewildered as they witness the gradual decline of the national team’s prowess.
Nigeria’s absence at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, resulting from the failure to defeat Ghana in Abuja in April 2022, still resonates.
Uzoho, the goalkeeper in that match, faced criticism when a long-range shot from Thomas Partey found the net. Despite the Super Eagles leveling the score, it fell short of the outright win required to qualify.
Perturbed by Nigeria’s non-participation in the Qatar fiesta, skepticism persists regarding the team’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup due to their lackluster performances in the qualifiers.
The Eagles, expected to dominate a group comprising lower-ranked countries like Lesotho, Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa, have yet to secure a victory after two rounds.
In the matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, both ending in 1-1 draws, goalkeeper errors led to the conceded goals, prompting inquiries from Nigerians.
Etta Egbe, a former Nigeria international and assistant coach of the U23 Olympic Eagles, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to mandate an eye test for Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to assess his visibility.
Egbe, himself a former goalkeeper, expressed astonishment at Uzoho’s concession of a goal from a free kick at a distance of 35 yards, deeming it “unforgivable.”
He emphasized the need for an eye test, citing Uzoho’s previous error in denying Nigeria a spot in the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“He conceded again against Zimbabwe from a free kick from 35 yards. Something has to be done,” Egbe insisted.
He also attributed blame to the Super Eagles’ defense for allowing opposing strikers ample opportunities, urging them to refine their strategy to address the team’s vulnerabilities.
