Francis Uzoho: Nigeria Super Eagles coach Peseiro told to 'borrow' Super Falcons' Nnadozie

Chiamaka Nnadozie and Francis Uzoho. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Francis Uzoho: Nigeria Super Eagles coach Peseiro told to 'borrow' Super Falcons' Nnadozie

Izuchukwu Akawor 09:08 - 14.10.2023

Nigerians have provided a solution for the goalkeeper dilemma in the Nigeria Super Eagles for head coach Jose Peseiro, with Super Falcons' Chiamaka Nnadozie named.

In the wake of a goalkeeping challenge faced by Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the head coach of the men’s team, Jose Peseiro, has received a suggestion to explore an alternative solution.

The proposal from some concerned Nigerians has encouraged Peseiro to consider enlisting the services of Super Falcons’ goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, to bolster the Super Eagles' goalkeeping options.

Nigeria vs Saudi Arabia: Uzoho howler 

The Nigerian Eagles and their Green Falcons counterparts from Saudi Arabia faced off for the first time in a head-to-head at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao in Portugal on Friday evening. 

Both nations delivered an exciting football match, with Nigeria dominating most of the four-goal thriller which saw them share the spoils after it ended 2-2.

Uzoho and Nigeria
Francis Uzoho had a game to forget against for Nigeria against Saudi Arabia. (Photo Credit: Imago)

However, a crucial moment involving Cyprus-based goalkeeper, Uzoho, became the biggest talking point of discussion from the clash. 

Uzoho, the Nigerian goalkeeper, made an uncharacteristic error that allowed Saudi Arabia to break the deadlock on the hour mark.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The 24-year-old made a mess of a free kick from inside the Nigerian half from Salman Al-Faraj to give the Falcons the lead against the run of play.

This mistake proved to be costly in the end despite the Super Eagles fighting back to lead 2-1 at some point in the game thanks to two superb goals from Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia
Iheanacho was a standout as the Super Eagles played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia would deny Nigeria a win when Mohamed Kanno struck a late equaliser from another free kick to earn the Falcons a share of the spoils.

Nnadozie to help the Super Eagles 

Following another costly slip-up from Uzoho, some concerned Nigerians have voiced their opinions with a suggestion that coach Peseiro should look to Super Falcons’ star Nnadozie as a solution. 

Chiamaka Nnadozie was one of Nigeria's standout players in Australia. (Photo Credit: FIFA/X)

Nnadozie, a standout talent for the Women’s team, has gained recognition for her skills and performance in the women’s game for club and country.

She was in superb form as Nigeria made it to the last 16 at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, where she kept three clean sheets in four matches.

Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie after the game against Arsenal. (Photo Credit: Nnadozie/X)

Nnadozie also proved decisive between the sticks as her club, Paris FC, knocked out Arsenal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, UWCL.

Reacting to Uzoho’s performance, one of the concerned citizens Ebukanson said on X.com, formerly Twitter “unpopular opinion, Chiamaka Nnadozie in this Super Eagles team will do better than Uzoho and Okoye.”

Peseiro and Nnadozie
Jose Peseiro has a decision to make in the Super Eagles. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Jonah Sunday re-echoed Ebukanson’s comment when he added on Facebook; “Please, don’t use Uzoho in the next match. Let’s borrow Super Falcons goalkeeper instead.”

Her possible inclusion, as suggested by the Nigerians, in the Super Eagles setup could potentially provide a fresh perspective and additional experienced option for the goalkeeping position.

The summary

However, the proposal does not intend to undermine Uzoho's abilities but to highlight the need for competition and alternatives in a critical position on the field ahead of future matches.

Coach Peseiro has since reacted in defence of Uzoho but added a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by his team. 

Maduka Okoye has been the subject of criticism since Nigeria's exit from the 2021 AFCON.

As Nigerians continue to react and the discussions heighten, the football community remains hopeful that the Super Eagles will find a lasting solution that strengthens the goalkeeping department and enhances the team’s chances of competing in the next AFCON. 

Nnadozie’s inclusion represents an interesting development that seeks to ensure that Nigeria remains one of the football giants in the continent.

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