Head coach of Nigeria’s senior national team With Stanley Nwabali currently out of action, Eric Chelle has selected Francis Uzoho as the team’s new first choice goalkeeper.
After ending his contract with Chippa United, Nwabali is still without a team, and because the Super Eagles are scheduled to play again later this month, a new number one is required.
Uzoho, the second choice at the AFCON, where they placed third, was quickly chosen by Chelle. Despite being informed that he would not be the first pick, he remains unconcerned about Maduka Okoye, who was left off of the AFCON squad.
The Udinese goalkeeper would have been the obvious pick, but Chelle believed that by declining to accept the AFCON invitation unless he was assured of being first choice, he was undermining his authority. However, Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who is also on the team after changing his nationality from England to Nigeria, will present Uzoho with fierce challenge.
Okonkwo can easily participate in friendly matches, but in order to play in meaningful games like upcoming AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, FIFA must approve his application to switch allegiance.
