Super Eagles set for W/Cup cracker against Lesotho
By Mazino Dickson (Abuja), and Sean Pablo (Uyo)
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Coach Peseiro insists: ‘Uzoho is my number one pick’
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As Zimbabwe holds Rwanda to a goalless draw
All is now set for the FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Lesotho in Uyo later on Thursday.
VON correspondent Sean Pablo, who is in Uyo, reports that the Super Eagles have been training hard at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium with all players invited participating in various training routines.
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Final preparations are underway! The Super Eagles engage in their last training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, gearing up for the FIFA 2026 World Cup showdown against Lesotho. 🇳🇬⚽ #SuperEagles #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/lOVwkJ8tVY
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) November 15, 2023
Speaking with newsmen after their last training, Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro said the team was ready to devour the Crocodiles of Lesotho.
He said victory was vital and non-negotiable.
“My team must win this match, we have to win for the sake of the fans,” he said.
“But we must be very careful. It is only in football you can play very well and lose a match.”
Ahead of Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro held a press conference with the media to discuss the upcoming game against the Crocodiles.#FIFAWorldCup #SuperEagles pic.twitter.com/N0XhuS5hJM
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) November 15, 2023
When pressed to speak on the goal-keeping controversy, Peseiro insisted that Francis Uzoho was his first pick.
This statement comes against the backdrop of severe criticisms levied against the Cyrprus-based shot stopper who many Nigerian fans still blame as a major culprit in ensuring the three-times champions missed out from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar because of his gaffs.
Uzoho was again the centre of fans’ anger after he fumbled in Nigeria’s last two friendly encounters against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique respectively.
The 25-year old has made 32 appearances conceding 33 goals with 12 clean sheets since he made his international debut in 2017 for the Eagles.
When asked if he could possibly bring back former goalkeeper and captain Vincent Enyeama to speak with Uzoho or at least the technical team or drop Uzoho, coach Peseiro remained adamant.
“I don’t know him personally (Enyeama). But I absolutely trust my staff,” the Portuguese manager quipped.
“Uzoho is our goalkeeper, Okoye, Ojo, Amas and Adeleye are our goalkeepers. I am not stupid, I want to play the best players, but it is my confidence.”
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) November 15, 2023
Duce
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s next opponent Zimbabwe forced hosts Rwanda to a goalless draw away.
In a very cagey encounter, both sides cancelled each other out as much of the play was concentrated in the middle.
Zimbabwe took the patient approach in their build-up play while Rwanda looked to catch their opponents on the break.
Amavubi looked dangerous after 10 minutes on the clock and created a couple of notable scoring chances on the break.
However, Zimbabwe sat tight and dealt with Rwanda’s early pressure.
ICYMI
A peek into the action between Rwanda & Zimbabwe earlier pic.twitter.com/iZpLetb00U
— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) November 15, 2023
Djihad Bizimana produced the game’s first attempt at goal in the 20th minute, after he found himself in a favourable position inside the Zimbabwe half.
Nonetheless, his shot from range went wide, affording the Warriors an opportunity to reset.
Terrence Dzvukamanja, who replaced the injured Admiral Muskwe in the 23rd minute, provided Zimbabwe a much-needed spark in attack.
The Warriors produced their best chance of the game in the 61st minute, with Gerald Takwara’s header from a corner situation going narrowly wide.
The Warriors continued to pile on the pressure toward the end of the game, however, Rwanda remained composed when neutralising the visitors’ attacking advancements.
Zimbabwe captain Marshall Munetsi described the draw as a good start.
We take the point and look forward to the next game
Marshall Munetsi’s comments after the Warriors’ goalless draw with Rwanda in our opening FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. pic.twitter.com/1qfdASsKkq
— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) November 15, 2023
Zimbabwe’s Warriors featured at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations but were excluded from qualifiers for the 2023 tournament,
This was because FIFA imposed a ban following government interference in the running of the game.
That suspension, imposed in February last year, was lifted in July.
Zimbabwe will welcome Nigeria on Sunday in Harare.
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