Ever since Karl Ikeme's departure, Nigeria's goalkeeping department has struggled to find a suitable replacement.
Super Eagles coach Jose Peceiro has defended goalkeeper Francis Uzoho ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, insisting he has faith in the 25-year-old.
Ever since Karl Ikeme's departure, Nigeria's goalkeeping department has struggled to find a suitable replacement.
South Africa-based goalkeepers Daniel Akpeyi and Maduka Okoye have been heavily criticized on social media after being harassed by online trolls who accused them of wishing him and his loved ones dead.
Uzoho was no different, and his performances came under scrutiny, especially after conceding two goals from free kicks against Saudi Arabia.
However, Peseiro stressed during the media briefing that AC Omonia's number one is the best for the job.
``Uzoho was our goalkeeper in the qualifiers,'' he said.
``I believe in goalkeepers and I believe in Uzoho, but I'm open to other opinions, including those of the media.''
``There's too much pressure when choosing a goalkeeper here. I know.''
He believed in the goalkeeper and insisted he would replace Uzoho if there was a better option.
"Everyone knows he made a mistake against Saudi Arabia. I talked to him and tried to improve his mentality," Peseiro said.
``If a better goalkeeper than Uzoho can start the game, I'm going to use him. I'm not stupid, I'll play with the best players.
``The mistakes that goalkeepers make and the mistakes that strikers make... I know we don't understand mistakes, that's normal in football.''
``Sometimes our strikers miss chances, our midfielders make the wrong passes. , sometimes we make mistakes.'' Goalkeepers make some mistakes. ”
Three-time African champions Nigeria will face Lesotho's Crocodiles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before facing Zimbabwe in Kigali, Rwanda on the 19th of the same month.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup last time after losing to eternal rival Ghana on away goals in the playoffs.
Nigeria is in Group C alongside South Africa, Rwanda, Benin, Zimbabwe and Lesotho in the race for a place in the 2026 tournament.
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