Uzoho is still our best goalkeeper, Peseiro, Omeruo insist

Super Eagles’ Manager, Jose Peseiro,

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, and stand-in captain, Kenneth Omeruo, have thrown their support behind underfire goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Uzoho has been criticised for his performances in goal for Nigeria in recent games.

The 25-year-old’s error cost Nigeria a ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff against the Black Stars of Ghana at the Moshood Abiola national stadium in Abuja last year.

The Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper’s howler in Nigeria’s international friendly game against Saudi Arabia last month has further raised the anxiety about the quality in-between the sticks for the three-time African champions.

Despite his shortcomings, the Portuguese tactician has continued to back and select the former U-17 goalkeeper, with some ex-international urging him to give opportunities to other options available to him in camp.

Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s clash against the Crocodiles on Thursday, Peseiro doubled down on Uzoho, stating that other goalies in camp are also Eagles players.

He insisted that he is not stupid and will only play the best option in goal.

“Uzoho is our goalkeeper, Okoye, Ojo, Amas and Adeleye are our goalkeepers. I am not stupid, I want to play the best players, but it is my confidence,” he said.

Also speaking, Omeruo maintained that Uzoho is the best goalkeeper in the team. “Uzoho is the best goalkeeper in the team and we are behind him,” he said.

Nigeria after hosting Lesotho will face Zimbabwe in Rwanda on Sunday in their second game of the World Cup qualification series.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of