The Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, was criticised by some African fans for failing to save Thomas Partey’s goal, which prevented Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
OsunDaily News recalls the decisive match between the two West African foes, Ghana and Nigeria, which was held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja after the first leg, ended in a goalless draw.
Omonia goalkeeper, Uzoho was in Augustine Eguavoen’s starting lineup against Ghana.
Thomas Partey’s goal from 23 yards gave the Ghanaian Black Stars the lead in the eleventh minute.
The Super Eagles’ loss of the chance to showcase their true selves during the Qatar 2022 World Cup made it a night to forget.
What Did Fans Say About Uzoho?
After the 23-year-old goalkeeper’s impressive performance in last night’s Europa League clash between ManchesterUnited and Omonia Nicosia, some African sports fans lambasted Uzoho for not matching it against Ghana as he was unable to stop Partey’s 23-yard shot.
@oluwaseeyii is still perplexed as to how the Nigerian goalkeeper, who was outstanding against Manchester United, was unable to prevent the goal by the Ghanaian midfielder.
“To think Uzoho let that Partey shot in still baffles me”
@_owurakuampofo wrote,
“Francis Uzoho can do all of this (Against United), and still allowed Thomas Partey to score him that goal”
@FozGharby in his response to @_owurakuampofo feels the error made by Uzoho against Ghana could happen to any other goal keeper in the world
“Ghana Nigeria is a far bigger match than United Vs Omonia.” he said. “Also uzoho is a very talented keeper.” he continued.
“The partey error can happen. Doesn’t make him a bad keeper.” he added
In order to face Partey once more, @TheRealAquah sarcastically wants Man United to sign Uzoho.
“Francis Uzoho should join Man Utd in January, I want Partey to show him something in the Arsenal Vs Man U return Leg.”
@mz_esss on the other hand feels Uzoho played well for Nigeria but blamed Maduka Okeye for his subpar performance
“Ozoho plays well for Nigeria. Its the other beauty Queen that cost us the match.”
@Big_schmokee doesn’t seem to @mz_esss comment, as he stood firmly on Uzoho’s errors during the match
“It’s actually Uzoho that cost us that match. Partey scored the goal that kicked us out.”
@JargonHaidara still feel pissed about Partey’s goal, and seems he would not be forgetting the event anytime soon
“It is very annoying, I can’t forget that partey goal against this same uzoho”
@OriahiM apologized for saying too much, he noted that the Nigerian star has cost the Super Eagles a lot of matches
“maybe I went a little overboard but bro Uzoho has cost us important matches bro,” he also could not forget how Uzoho could not save Partey’s shot, which kicked dented Nigeria’s world cup hopes “man literally couldn’t handle a shot that looked like a pass from Partey, kicked us out of the world cup.” he said.
@Ehansoni1 feels the Nigerian goalie is not as bad as people think he is, and just like any other goalkeeper, mistakes are bound to happen
“Francis Uzoho is not as bad as many football fans in Nigeria made him appear. Unfortunate mistake like any other goalkeeper could make, not saving Thomas Partey’s ball at the World Cup playoff.”
This article was originally published on OsunDaily News
