Francis Uzoho Delighted With AFCON Return After Super Eagles’ Win Over Uganda

Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has expressed his happiness after getting the opportunity to return to action for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Uzoho featured in Nigeria’s 3–1 victory over Uganda in their final Group C fixture, a match that confirmed the Super Eagles’ perfect record in the group stage. The Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper was handed a rare start, marking his first appearance for the national team in a while.

The 26-year-old had been away from the Super Eagles setup and was a surprise inclusion in both the provisional and final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025. However, head coach Eric Chelle rewarded him with a place in goal against the Cranes.

Speaking to journalists during a media parley at the Super Eagles’ training ground in Fès, Uzoho expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria again.

“It felt good because it’s been a while. I’m happy that I had the chance to play with the team. The coach gave me the chance to play, so I’m really happy about that,” Uzoho said.

Reflecting on his role in organising the defence during the encounter, Uzoho emphasised the importance of communication, especially with a backline that featured several players playing together for the first time.

“There’s no special thing when it comes to impacting your backline. As a goalkeeper, it’s just communication and trying to understand the boys because it was the first time most of us played together, which makes communication very important,” he explained.

“I tried to do my best to make them comfortable, because when they are comfortable, it makes me comfortable as well.”

Nigeria’s win over Uganda capped an impressive group-stage campaign, as the Super Eagles booked their place in the round of 16 with maximum points and growing confidence ahead of the knockout phase.

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.

See Full Bio