Since he started coaching the Super Eagles on May 15, 2022, Jose Peseiro has increasingly relied on Francis Uzoho as his first-choice goalkeeper.
Super Eagles coach Jose Vitor Peceiro said he came to protect first-choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, even though a goalkeeping error cost Nigeria victory yesterdaySoccernet.ng Thereported. p>
The Portuguese tactician had invited Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo to play in a friendly against the Super Eagles during the international break, but he chose Omonia FC. In the match against Saudi Arabia, the goalkeeper has to stand between the posts.
Nigeria came from behind to take a 2-1 lead and could have secured victory, but a late free kick was deflected by Uzoho and the Super Eagles were forced to draw and face Estadio Municipal de Portimao. I left.
The quality of goalkeeping in the current Eagles team has been a concern for some time, and the blunder against Saudi Arabia appears to have opened old wounds among Nigerian soccer fans.
However, the coach took responsibility for the players’ mistakes and claimed that the criticism they were receiving was unfair and unwarranted.
“I like the players. If they make a mistake, it’s my responsibility. Goalkeepers never play free and calm because of people. Why do they score goals every time? I don’t understand why they attack the keeper. Why don’t they attack when the striker loses the ball or misses the goal?” the 63-year-old said Post-match interview.
– Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) 1 Oct 10,
The coach said that the goalkeeper’s performance might improve if the fans were less critical.
“I remember when I came here they told me to change the goalie. I talked to everyone and no one felt safe because everyone was attacking us. “You may make mistakes, it’s my responsibility. I have to train him (Uzoho) better next time,” he added.
The draw with Saudi Arabia left a bitter taste in the mouths of Nigerian soccer fans, but they will be hoping for a comeback against Mozambique on Monday.
