I’m ready to represent Nigeria – Uzoho

File Photo: Uzoho

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has declared his readiness to return to international duty after earning a recall to Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Uzoho was named as one of the three goalkeepers in head coach Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad, which comprises eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards, with five new invitees included in the list.

The shot-stopper, whose last call-up came in March 2024 during an international friendly against Ghana, admitted that returning to the national team setup has brought him a deep sense of joy and fulfilment.

“I missed the boys. I missed the vibe in the camp because we’ve been together for quite a long time,” Uzoho said. “The most noticeable thing I missed was being around the boys and all of us coming together through different challenges. We check up on each other. I have colleagues I’m closer to, but generally I reach out to the boys.”

After spending over a year away from the squad, the goalkeeper expressed excitement about his return and reaffirmed his readiness to compete for Nigeria once again.

“I was filled with joy that I can’t really express right now. It was a relief knowing that I’m coming back to be with the boys, to have that same feeling we had before and to represent Nigeria, which is the most important thing,” he said. “Anyone called up to the national team is ready. If you’re not ready, you won’t be called up.

“I believe the technical crew and the scouts know what they’re doing. When they invite someone, it’s because they believe the player is ready to represent the country. So, I am ready, and if the time comes and the country needs me, I will be prepared.”

Uzoho also spoke about his relationship with current first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, stressing that it is built on mutual respect and brotherhood rather than rivalry.

“I’m close to everyone, and Stanley is my brother,” he said. “When he came in, we were all together. We helped each other — I helped him and he helped me. He’s a good guy, and I have a very close relationship with him. Maybe people outside don’t see it, but personally, I’m good with him.”

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C of the tournament, where they will face Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on December 23, before further group matches against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27 and Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.

Runners-up at the last AFCON following a 2–1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria will be aiming for a fourth continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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