Uzoho Is Super Eagles’ First Choice Goalkeeper – Ike Shorunmu
Super Eagles Goalkeepers trainer, Ike Shorunmu, has declared that Francis Uzoho is Nigeria’s first choice between the posts, saying that other goalkeepers still have the chance to challenge for the number one spot.
Shorunmu noted that Uzoho’s presence between the Super Eagles’ goal posts in the two recent friendly games in the United States and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers has boosted his confidence.
He enjoined all the goalkeepers in the national team set-up, including the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players, to up their game and challenge Uzoho for the position.
The former Super Eagles goalkeeper said that such rivalry will make the players better. Shorunmu enjoined football-loving Nigerians to keep supporting and believing in the team despite its failure to qualify for the World Cup.
“Uzoho from my observation needs more encouragement and support. I have to change the training strategy to beef up his confidence,” Shorunmu said.
“It has been a long I left the national team duties and so many things have changed. But I have to keep focusing on building the goalkeeping department.”
On Maduka Okoye, Shorunmu said he called the new Watford goalkeeper before the recent matches, adding that Okoye opted out of the matches to stabilise with his new English club.
“I think it is a mind thing and there is no need to disturb him. We have to wait for him to put himself on track,” Shorunmu concluded.
Chidi Nwoke/The Guardian.
