AFCON 2023: Who should in goal for Nigeria against Equatorial Guinea?

Despite high-profile errors in recent outings, Francis Uzoho is expected to be Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, NigeriaFootball.ng predicts.

The West Africans are aiming for its fourth AFCON title, has a mix of experienced and emerging talents in the goalkeeping department which is central to their campaign.

Of the 25 players invited for this tournament, only three goalkeepers were picked from six on the provisional list.

Head coach Jose Peseiro has drafted in Chippa United goalie, Stanley Nwabili, and Enyimba’s Olorunleke Ojo, to contest for the number one position.

Should Nigeria start Francis Uzoho in goal when Nigeria faces Equatorial Guinea on Saturday?

This is a question that has polarized fans of the Super Eagles, yet there is no disputing his experience at major international tournaments.

Although Uzoho has been widely criticized for his poor displays in recent outings for the team, he remains the most experienced among the trio as he has been in the Super Eagles team since 2017.

Former coach Gernot Rohr made him the Eagles’ number 1 at the World Cup in Russia six years ago.

Following a terrible knee ligament injury during Nigeria’s international friendly against Brazil in Singapore in 2019, he was replaced by Maduka Okoye who since making a blunder in the round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON has yet to find his confidence.

However, since returning one year after his injury, Uzoho has returned to bring number one but has lost the spark for club and country.

Therefore, South Africa-based goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali was drafted recently to give Uzoho competition for the No. 1 jersey.

The confident shot-stopper, who is good with his feet, showed promise despite a 2-0 defeat to Guinea in their preparatory match. However, his mistake that caused the first goal in that game has caused concerns for fans.

The goalminder first arrived at Chippa United as a backup goalkeeper but would go on to prove himself in the South Africa Premiership and cup games, placing him on the radar of Peseiro.

Another goalkeeping option is Olorunleke Ojo who is the captain of reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba.

He has never made an appearance for the national team — even though he was selected for the squad on a few occasions.

He made a penalty stop as a substitute in Nigeria’s 12-0 thrashing of Al Gharbia in a warm-up game on January 7.

Although his selection was really meant to pacify those crusading for NPFL representation, his experience in the CAF Confederation Cup could make him a good addition to the squad.

However, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Omonia Nicosia of Cyrus shot-stopper, Francis Uzoho would be in goal for the Super Eagles against Juan Micha’s men on Sunday.