Uzoho Storms Eagles’ Camp Fitter, Stronger; With Focused Mindset

Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus goalkeeper, Francis Odinaka Uzoho has declared that he is romping into the Super Eagles’ camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations with a focused and stronger mindset, as he aims to return as Nigeria’s number one shot-stopper.

He was indeed first choice the Russia 2018 World Cup, before losing his spot to Daniel Akpeyi at last year’s AFCON, while Emil Maduka Okoye is ahead of him this time out, mostly due to a career-threatening injury he suffered in 2019.

However, megasportsarena.com reports that the former Deportivo La Coruna and Elche of Spain netminder believes he is back to his best, having over come several bouts with injury, and wants to prove his mettle with the Eagles in Cameroon.

While affirming that he is truly delighted to be back with the Eagles, Uzoho stressed that he is no longer thinking of the knee injury he copped during a friendly versus Brazil in October 2019 after landing awkwardly.

Consequently, the 23-year-old star made only one appearance for the Eagles during the recent World Cup qualifiers, when Maduka arrived camp late, plus another single outing in the race to Cameroon, in the home game against Lesotho.

However, Uzoho, who was Nigeria’s third choice in the Golden Eaglets’ squad that won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates, stressed that he has put his torrid days behind him and is not focused only on reclaiming his spot in the Eagles’ team for this year’s AFCON.

Uzoho, who was the only one that managed to keep a clean sheet among three keepers that had action for the Eagles at the last AFCON, being against Tunisia in the third place match, stated: “My mindset is still the same. It has always been the same to be stronger.

“I feel proud like every other Nigerian out there because I know what this qualification ticket means to them and the whole country. I feel proud because I’m part of this team that made it happen.

“I understand that injuries are part of the game and like you said I’m back with the team now, I’m happy and I have to be focused and don’t think about injuries anymore.”