Francis Uzoho Advises Okonkwo, Alata on Handling Pressure of Playing for Super Eagles

Francis Uzoho has revealed that he has been mentoring newly invited goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Michael Alata ahead of Nigeria’s Unity Cup clash against Zimbabwe at The Valley.

The Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper was on media duties on Monday as the Super Eagles intensified preparations for Tuesday’s semi-final encounter.

Uzoho remains one of the most experienced players in camp, having made his senior debut for Nigeria in a friendly against Argentina in November 2017.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle included two uncapped goalkeepers in his Unity Cup squad, handing first-time invitations to former Arsenal youth team player Arthur Okonkwo and highly-rated Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Alata.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Uzoho said he has already spoken to both goalkeepers about the mental demands and pressure that come with representing Nigeria at the senior level.

“It has just been two days with the boys, and I’m trying my best to let them know the importance of them being here, and also it’s a massive opportunity for them to be here,” Uzoho said.

“They should give their best and just be relaxed, and everything will work out fine.”

The experienced goalkeeper explained that he prefers to guide younger players at the right moments rather than overwhelm them with too much information.

“For Arthur Okonkwo and the other goalkeeper, I always like talking to the boys whenever I have the chance,” he added.

“I don’t like bothering them with so much information. Whenever I see it’s the right time, I talk to them through and make them understand that playing for Nigeria comes with so much pressure, so they should withstand the pressure because they are good goalkeepers already.”

Uzoho stressed that mentality is crucial for any player hoping to succeed with the Super Eagles.

“It’s all about the mentality representing Nigeria, so if they can work on their mentality,” he explained.

“There are going to be ups and downs, so they should be able to maintain the pressure.”

Uzoho was in goal during Nigeria’s recent friendly against Jordan, featuring for about an hour before being replaced by Adebayo Adeleye.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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