Francis Uzoho leaves Omonia Nicosia to join Cyprus rivals Omonia 29is Maiou

Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has left Omonia Nicosia after five years and completed a move to fellow Cyprus side Omonia 29is Maiou.

The 27-year-old was given permission to depart Omonia Nicosia before the end of the summer transfer window, shortly after the club secured progress to the group stages of the Europa League.

Uzoho had been serving as understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Fabiano during his time at Omonia Nicosia. Although he remained part of the club’s goalkeeping options, he was allowed to seek a new challenge after five years with the side.

Omonia 29is Maiou were among three clubs in Cyprus to show an interest in the Nigeria international. He ultimately chose the team that had started the season at the top of the table, bringing his association with Omonia Nicosia’s rivals to an end.

The transfer has been announced by both clubs. Financial details and the official length of the agreement have not been made public.

However, sources indicate that Uzoho is expected to sign a three-year contract, with the possibility of an additional year depending on the success of his initial period with the club.

He is expected to become Omonia 29is Maiou’s first-choice goalkeeper. His previous experience of playing in Cyprus is viewed as an advantage as he competes for the position, having already spent five years in the country with Omonia Nicosia.

Uzoho’s move marks a direct switch between two clubs who have been rivals in Cyprus. His experience at the top level of the domestic game is expected to be important to Omonia 29is Maiou as they continue their campaign after making a strong start to the season.

The Nigeria international has now ended his spell with Omonia Nicosia, where he operated mainly as cover for Fabiano, and will begin a new chapter with the early-season table leaders.

The agreement represents a fresh opportunity for Uzoho to establish himself as a regular starter. At Omonia 29is Maiou, he is expected to benefit from the trust placed in his experience and take on a more prominent role than the one he held at his former club.

His departure follows Omonia Nicosia’s progress to the Europa League group stages, while his new team have moved quickly to secure the services of a goalkeeper familiar with the demands of football in Cyprus.