Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly decided that Francis Uzoho will be Nigeria’s new first choice goalkeeper ahead of the team’s upcoming international matches.
According to reports, the decision comes with the team currently without a settled number one after Stanley Nwabali ended his stay with Chippa United and is presently without a club.
With the Super Eagles set to return to action later this month, Chelle is said to have quickly settled on Uzoho, who served as the second choice goalkeeper during the Africa Cup of Nations where Nigeria finished third.
The situation involving Maduka Okoye also played a role in the reported change. The Udinese goalkeeper was said to have declined an invitation to the national team for the last AFCON when he was informed that he would not be the first choice goalkeeper. Chelle reportedly viewed that decision as questioning his authority and has since remained indifferent toward the goalkeeper’s return to the squad.
Despite Uzoho moving into pole position for the number one shirt, competition for the role is expected to remain open. Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who recently switched his international allegiance to Nigeria, is also part of the goalkeeping pool and could challenge for the position.
Uzoho, who currently plays for Omonia in Cyprus, has been part of the Super Eagles setup since 2017 and has earned over 30 caps for the national team.
The final decision on who starts in goal is likely to become clearer when Chelle announces his next squad and the team resumes international duty.
