Goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, has apologised to fans after he took a swipe at them following the barrage of criticisms on social media aimed at him for his recent poor performances with the Super Eagles.
Uzoho was left with some eggs on his face during the international break when he fumbled a free kick to gift Saudi Arabia an opening goal in last Friday’s 2-2 friendly game and he went on to let in two goals against Mozambique in the second friendly also in Portugal.
Firstly, he wrongly anticipated Genty Catamo’s strike in the sixth minute which handed the Mambas a shock lead after six minutes before being beaten from a free-kick
Following his abysmal display for the Eagles, the 24-year-old posted a picture of himself on his Snapchat story with the inscription ‘Do it if it’s easy’ in a bid to silence his critics.
He reacted impulsively to the knocks he was subjected to by the public by daring the fans to also get signed up in Europe if they were any good.
His post angered several fans on social media who demanded his exclusion from the national team.
Dayo wrote, “Uzoho’s final game for Nigeria. Thank you for the memories Francis. Good luck with club football”.
Ichechime Oke-Chinda added, “Conceding three goals from free-kicks in just four days is criminal. Uzoho has to go”.
“Please can’t the coach find a replacement for Uzoho? If we make this guy our first choice come January, I’m sorry for the Eagles, he will send them packing from the group stage”, Sammy stated.
Abu Yusroh wrote, “Uzoho should never be called up to Super Eagles camp again”.
External added, “The same people that are running this country are the ones who have run Nigeria football aground. Why keep mediocrity in the team when we can make use of better players?
“You can’t tell me otherwise, Uzoho does not qualify for a ball boy in this team, talk more about the goalkeeper”.
A dejected NanleSurf said, “Uzoho is the worst keeper I have seen in a Nigerian jersey, shameless that ball strolled to the net”.
Following the harsh criticisms, the Omonia goalkeeper, however, apologised for his outburst on his X page.
“It has come to my attention that my recent Snapchat has not been my best behaviour towards you all as my loyal fans. I apologize for this as it was not my intention to conduct myself in such a manner towards the fans, who have supported and motivated me throughout my career”, Uzoho posted on X.
Uzoho said that criticism is part of football and it is needed for improvement as a professional footballer.
“Accepting criticism is part of my job and one that I often welcome from people who continue to support me. I accept your criticisms with the utmost respect and understanding that you all want me to do better”, he further said.
It remains to be seen if Jose Peseiro will keep faith with Uzoho for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on 17 November and Zimbabwe four days later in Harare.
