Udinese Calcio shot-stopper Maduka Okoye may probably get a shot in goal today when the Super Eagles exchange tackles with the Mozambique national team npflupdates.com reports.
Maduka Okoye was handed a late invitation to the Super Eagles by coach Jose Peseiro when it became uncertain whether goalkeepers Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem) and Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba) have delayed arriving camp.
Also read: Okoye Wins Best Player Award In Netherlands
Okoye was Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, at the last edition of the African Cup Of Nations AFCON, in Cameroon. He did considerably well in the group stages, before conceding from outside the box against Tunisia. The Germany-born was criticized heavily by fans for the mistake, and other subsequent mistakes during international friendlies; and that led to former Sparta Rotterdam’s goalkeeper temporarily taking a break from the national team.
But now he’s back to see if he can wrestle his position from Francis Uzoho who is considered as the first choice by coach Jose Peseiro.
Peseiro talks about Super Eagles goalkeeping department and its challenges
“When I arrived here, I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper. I spoke with all of them, No one feels comfortable because everybody attacked them,” Peseiro said about challenges faced by Super Eagles goalkeeper.
Also the Portuguese tactician, threw his weight behind Uzoho, who’s errors resulted in Saudi Arabia’s first goal against Nigeria in last weekend’s friendly tie.
“I like our players, when they make mistakes it is my responsibility,” Peseiro said.
“The goalkeepers never play free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time.
“Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss a goal, why?”
Also read: Main Reason Why Maduka Okoye Was Called Up In Super Eagles
“They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (Uzoho) better,” he added.
Fans clamour for Maduka Okoye in the goalkeeping department
Now Nigerians are clamouring for another chance be given to Okoye, stressing that he’ll come good.
Below are the two major reasons why Nigerians want a Maduka Okoye takeover in the goalkeeping role.
First, he is coming back to the national team after a lengthy spell away from the team. Therefore, he would want to prove critics wrong, by providing top performances if being considered in goal.
Secondly, Nigeria’s goalkeeping department is becoming a bulky one with about four goalkeepers(Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, Ojo Olorunleke and Maduka Okoye) up for selection. And it needs to be trimmed down to help save money who’s already experiencing some difficulties financially.
So another failed opportunity for Okoye if given the chance, could mean his withdrawal from the squad; and of course save cost for those running the Super Eagles.
In a related story, Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has opened up on why his side drew with Saudi Arabia last Friday.
According to the former Sporting CP manager, lack of “killer instinct” from his squad led to the draw.
“We need to improve on our finishing,” Peseiro said in his post-match interview.
“I think we played very well in the first half and could have scored about three to five goals and in the second half as well. We created more chances in the second half but we need the killer instinct in this squad but I’m happy with the result.”
Two Super Eagles player depart camp ahead of Mozambique friendly
Also read: Victor Osimhen Leave Super Eagles Camp As A Precautionary Measure
Meanwhile, Leicester City’s forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Napoli’s forward Victor Osimhen, have all been excused from the national team camp.
While Kelechi Iheanacho was allowed to leave the camp for some personal undisclosed reasons, Victor Osimhen is leaving as a result of the minor injury he sustained against Saudi Arabia.
The Napoli marksman, went down to the Portimonense turf in the second half feeling some discomfort, which led to him be substituted. He has flown back to his base in Italy for better assessment ahead next Napoli game in the Italian Serie A this weekend.
