Francis Uzoho
Francis Uzoho has reported to the Super Eagles of Nigeria camp for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 27-year-old goalkeeper is the first player from the 28-man squad to arrive at the team’s camp at the Renaissance Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, where the country’s AFCON squad will assemble to step up preparations.
The Super Eagles coaching crew are already on the ground, and Uzoho joined them around 2 am on Sunday.
The Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus shotstopper leaves his club for the national team despite his club facing a crunch league tie against AEK Larnaca on Monday.
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Uzoho has, however, featured just once for his club in the league- a substitute appearance- in addition to four outings in the group stage of the UEFA Conference League, where he has made eye-catching contributions, including a man-of-the-match award in his club’s 1-0 win over Rapid Wien on Thursday.
Uzoho, a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s AFCON squad, will battle Stanley Nwabali, the first-choice goalkeeper, and Amas Obasogie for the starting spot between the sticks, as the Super Eagles seek to improve on their final loss to Cote d’Ivoire at the last AFCON final.
Other members of the Eagles’ squad are expected to arrive from December 15, the deadline day FIFA afforded European clubs to keep AFCON-bound players.
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Nigeria will face Egypt in a tune-up friendly on Tuesday at Cairo Stadium, before leaving for their base in Fès, Morocco, for the group stage of the competition.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C, where Eric Chelle’s side will face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tournament begins on December 21, and the Eagles will play their first match on December 23 against Tanzania.
