Gernot Rohr: Ex-Nigeria coach backs Francis Uzoho to shine at Afcon 2023

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Former coach of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr is confident Nigeria goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho can pose a brave performance for the three-time African champions at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The current coach of the Togolese national team gave Uzoho his debut appearance while in charge of the Super Eagles and also ensured that he played his first tournament during Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Despit recent criticism leveled against Uzoho for his bad performance in goal, Rohr is optimistic that the Omonia save hands can do the job for Jose Peseiro’s side in Cote d’Ivoire.

“Uzoho can do the job,” Rohr stated in an interview with BBC reporter, Osasu Obayiuwana.

Asked if he has confidence in him due to the fact that most Nigerians don’t, the German coach replied:”I don’t know if there is a better one.”

On his thoughts about the Eagles’ squad for the competition, Rohr said:”Nigeria is one of the favourites, of course. I saw the list. So many great players and [with] experience.”

Equatorial Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Guinea Bissau await the Super Eagles in Group A of AFCON 2023 in Abidjan.

Peseiro’s side will hope to win their fourth African title after winning the trophy in 1980 (Nigeria), 1994 (Tunisia), and 2013 (South Africa).