The decision of coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr to drop Maduka Okoye as first choice for Nigeria in the 0-1 loss against Central Africa Republic (CAR) was seen by many as the first step for Francis Uzoho towards reclaiming his first choice spot.
That wasn’t the case as Okoye was back in goal three days later and posted a clean sheet to help Nigeria to a 2-0 win away to same opponent. It has to be said though that Uzoho wasn’t at fault for the goal conceded by Nigeria in the shock 0-1 loss at home.
As a matter of fact he kept the Nigerian team in the game with two top saves even before the late goal which came as a result of poor decision making by the duo of Leon Balogun and William Ekong in defence. The error left Uzoho exposed and helpless.
So why then did Rohr drop him for Okoye? A player in the team exclusively told OwnGoalNigeria.com that it’s down to the fact that Okoye presently has what Uzoho lacks in the sight of the coach.
” Rohr has absolute faith and trust in Okoye. It’s so because he plays regularly in Holland for Sparta Rotterdam. Uzoho was back as first choice after the 2019 AFCON but after the injury he suffered against Brazil. He hasn’t been getting games at his club”, he explained.
” Most players understand the choice and I must say accept the decision as well because Okoye is for now the best. It’s his time. Daniel Akpeyi has his time as first choice at the AFCON, Uzoho at the World Cup now it’s Okoye’s turn”, he concluded.