AFCON 2023: Francis Uzoho reacts to negative criticisms ahead of Ivory Coast clash

Nigeria goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho is unperturbed by recent criticisms over his performance with the national team.

The 25-year-old has delivered several uninspiring performances, prompting calls for him to be dropped.

Notably, Uzoho was in goal during Nigeria’s crucial 2022 World Cup qualifying clash against Ghana in Abuja, where his failed attempt to stop Thomas Partey’s shot dashed the country’s qualification hopes.

The Omonoia FC of Cyprus keeper was dropped to the bench in favour of Stanley Nwabili against Equatorial Guinea and he admits that the goalkeeping position was very competitive, and required everyone to be at his best.

Reacting to the negative comments, Uzoho said; “If you can’t control what is happening, then you can control how you react to them; if you lose your happiness, then you’ve lost!

“We have to support each other, I supported Stanley Nwabali in training and outside training.

“I was very happy for him to get his debut in AFCON and I think he did well, it is a good decision for the coach to have options.”