Before the 2023 AFCON kicks off, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has declined to disclose who his first-choice goalkeeper is.
Jose Peseiro will at last reveal his first-choice goalkeeper on January 14, 2024, when Nigeria takes on Equatoria Guinea in their opening group-stage match.
The Portuguese tactician chose three goalkeepers in his 25-man roster prior to the event, but he did not specify which one would be his first choice.
In a pre-AFCON friendly, Jose Peseiro started Stanley Nwabali, the goalkeeper for Chippa United of South Africa, in place of Francis Uzoho, and the Eagles lost 2-0 to Guinea.
Remember how the coach deployed Uzoho in Nigeria’s first pre-AFCON match against a team from nearby Abu Dhabi? The squad won 12-0.
Prior to the Tournament, only Olorunleke Ojo, 28, who presently plays for Enyimba of Aba, has not been put to the test in an Eagles encounter.
Given how long he has been an Eagle, Uzoho is expected to be Jose Peseiro’s first choice despite his history of making mistakes during games.
“I can’t say for anyone who the first 11, I will decide against Equatorial Guinea,” Peseiro said to NFF TV when asked who might make the starting eleven following his defeat to Guinea.
Regarding the outcome of the pre-AFCON match, the Portuguese strategist went on to say: “Winning is important, but trying a new system isn’t important.” Making errors now is preferable to doing so later. I’m pleased with the players’ performance thus far. I’m content with everyone.
“We had a great first half as we tested a new shape, 3-4-3. We lost 1-0, of course, but we had more to give and even missed a penalty and two or three good chances. The sides were more evenly matched in the second half. When playing against a team that attacks quickly, you lose equilibrium in the middle, so I switched to a 4-3-3 formation, which gave them plenty of room. I played every member on the team and modified it. The first half met my expectations, while the second half fell short.
