PREVIEW: Uzoho, Nwabali, Olorunleke… how Eagles goalies stand ahead of AFCON

In the two-year interval between the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the forthcoming edition, little has changed in the goalkeeping department of the Super Eagles.

The Eagles crashed out in the quarter-final of the last AFCON in Cameroon due to a goalkeeping error from Maduka Okoye, and almost 24 months later, the position remains the team’s weakest link.

Austin Eguavoen struggled to contain the problem before his resignation in March 2022, and it looks like Jose Peseiro, Super Eagles head coach, is far removed from the solution.

The Portuguese has been resolute in his preference for Francis Uzoho as the first-choice goalkeeper despite the latter’s gallery of gaffes in the colours of the Eagles.

Following Uzoho’s unimpressive performance in a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia in October 2023, Peseiro ignored the erring goalkeeper and faced the Nigerian audience. He accused Nigerians of intimidating the goalkeepers into making errors with their constant scrutiny.

The Portuguese stuck with Uzoho in the AFCON squad and added Stanley Nwabali and Ojo Olorunleke as options. Olorunleke made a penalty stop as a substitute in Nigeria’s 12-0 thrashing of Al Gharbia in a warm-up game on January 7, while Nwabali showed promise despite a 2-0 defeat to Guinea in a friendly match a day later.

Will Peseiro embrace experimentation or stick to his regular safe hands and damn the consequence?

Below, TheCable takes a close-up look at the three Super Eagles goalkeepers for AFCON.

Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)

Uzoho is the undisputed number one. He has been in the Super Eagles team since 2017 but he’s infamous for a series of blunders between the sticks.

The former Deportivo La Coruna man lacks the extra quality that wins games for teams. His nightmarish display against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique has seen fans call for him to be benched in Ivory Coast.

Recently, the goalkeeper found form for Omonia in Cyprus’s top flight and it is expected that he would build on that at the AFCON.

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United)

The rise of Stanley Nwabali from second choice at Chippa United has been well documented. The goalminder first arrived at the club as a backup goalie.

He would go on to prove himself in the South Africa Premiership and cup games, placing him on the radar of Peseiro.

The former Enyimba, Go Round, Lobi Stars and Katsina United man has what it takes to play under pressure if given the opportunity.

Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba)

Ojo is the captain of reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba. He has never made an appearance for the national team — even though he was selected for the squad on a few occasions.

The former Flying Eagles shot-stopper has been in good form for his club in the league this season, as they seek to retain their title.

Ojo’s experience in the CAF Confederation Cup could make him a good addition to the squad.