Former Nigeria international goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, has suggested stiff competition for the embattled first choice of Nigeria Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, to bring out the best in him ahead of 2023 African Cup of Nations.
Rufai made this suggestion in an interview with Lagos-based Sports radio station, Brilla FM, while weighing into the on-going goalkeeping crisis befuddling the Super Eagles.
He claimed that only stiff competition can bring out the best of Uzoho ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire and the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Uzoho was heavily criticized after he conceded seemingly cheap goals in recent international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, even as fans called on the national team handlers to find a way of correcting these unnecessary errors.
“Let them be given some fight for the (number one shirt), and they should get some local-based goalkeepers that have what it takes since we have some who have played in the continental competitions. There are some of them with good experience playing out there; they should get one or two of them into the national team and throw the competition open,” Rufai said.
Rufai, who earned his stripes as the Super Eagles’ number one choice in his heyday after rigorous contest with the likes of the late Wilfred Agbonavbare, Aloy Agu and Ike Shorunmu leading to the 1994 AFCON win in Tunisia and USA 1994 World Cup, said Uzoho can rise to the occasion if he’s subjected to tough regimen with other contenders.
“If they throw the jersey open (for all the goalkeepers) to contest for it, you would see that Uzoho would take his jersey back,” noted Rufai.
Rufai who had made his marks with Stationery Stores, as well as top European clubs that included Lokeren, Beveren, Farense, Go Ahead Eagles and Deportivo La Coruna, said, “Then, he would have picked the jersey after taking the bull by the horns because he knows nobody would be able to drop him after the open challenge for the number one jersey.”
“In the process of retaining the jersey, we can get the best out of Uzoho,” added Rufai, who was also the Super Eagles number one choice at the France 1998 World Cup.
