Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has once again thrown his weight behind embattled goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho npflupdates.com reports.
Also read: Peseiro : Nigerians Begged Me To Take A Pay-Cut So We Can Win AFCON
Fans over the week has called for the immediate exclusion of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho from the Super Eagles squad following his poor form.
In Super Eagles four-goal draw against Saudi Arabia last weekend, Francis howled a harmless free-kick into his own net. Fans after the match criticised his goalkeeping blunders, and asked for his exclusion from the national team.
Defending the 24-year-old Peseiro said goalkeepers are not comfortable playing for Nigeria due to attacks from supporters.
“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,” the Portuguese said.
Also read: Uzoho Tenders Public Apology After Provocative Snapchat Comment
“The goalkeepers never play free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time.
“They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (Uzoho) better,” he said.
Sadly, three days after the Saudi Arabia blunder, Peseiro kept faith in Uzoho and started him against Mozambique in another international friendly. Again, the former Deportivo la Coruna goalkeeper, miscalculated from his lines leading to the Mambas first goal after six minutes of play.
The former APOEL Nicosia goalie, in what looked like a response to critics put up a Snapchat comment, “if easy go do am, make Oyibo Man Sign you.” A statement which Nigerians saw as disrespectful, and hence intensified efforts in calling for his removal from the national team.
The former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper, however, have apologized for the Snapchat comment, stating that it came as a result of frustration.
What Peseiro said about Francis Uzoho
“The only problem for me is if Uzoho doesn’t resist (the criticism),” Peseiro said in defense of Uzoho per a BBC report.
“The criticism is good for us also, sometimes it can open our eyes. But I know that in Nigeria, people prefer to attack the goalkeeper.”
Also read: Francis Remains Super Eagles No1 No Room For New Recruit – Peseiro
“With me, Uzoho has only made one mistake until now,” he concluded.
