Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has expressed his delight at being named in the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and says he is ready to play his part as the team chase glory, SportPremi reports.
The 27-year-old earned a recall to the squad ahead of the tournament in Morocco, with his inclusion coming as a surprise to many supporters.
The Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper was included in Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad, alongside first-choice goalie Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie, while Udinese’s Maduka Okoye was omitted.
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Uzoho’s last appearance for the Super Eagles came during the 2023 African Cup of Nations, when he was substituted in the closing stages of the quarterfinal tie against Cameroon for Nwabali, who suffered an injury in the clash.
The former Elche goalkeeper was formerly the country’s undisputed number one choice, before losing his spot following series of errors in goal.
However, he will be hoping to not just make up the numbers, but to play an important role as the three-time champions eye a fourth continental crown in Morocco.
What Uzoho said ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 opener against Tanzania
Francis Uzoho heads into his fourth African Cup of Nations tournament, hoping to finally win an elusive gold medal in Morocco.
The 27-year-old kept a clean sheet in the third-placed playoff match as Nigeria won bronze medal in the 2019 edition and was also part of the team that finished second in Ivory Coast two years ago.
In an interview in the Super Eagles training camp in Fes, the shot-stopper expressed readiness to prove doubts wrong and help the nation to success.
“Like I said, the past is the past, I don’t dwell in the past. Every time I have an opportunity, I always give my best and that’s what I intend to do if I get the chance this time around, but the fans should expect a good performance from anyone who gets to play”, Uzoho revealed.
“I’m at my fourth AFCON, it’s a thing of joy for me, and also, I thank God for giving me the strength to be always fit whenever the time comes, and it’s a good feeling,
“Each of the goalkeepers have their special abilities. The goalkeeping position is a special position, and we find a way to create a healthy competition for us within the squad”, he continued.
Although Nwabali is expected to start in goal for the Super Eagles, Uzoho is an able deputy if called upon at any point in the tournament.
The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper also reacted to losing his spot to Nwabali ahead of the previous AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.
“Positively, because it’s a game of competition. In every position on the team, we have two or three great players in that position”, Uzoho stated.
“The competition has to be there, so when he was chosen, I gave him my support, and if he’s chosen again, it’s the same.”
Nigeria face Tanzania at the Fez Stadium later tomorrow, before facing Tunisia and Uganda in Group C of the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
