Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has expressed deep satisfaction and emotion following his recall to the Super Eagles as Nigeria gears up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Uzoho made the final 28-man squad announced by head coach Eric Chelle, joining two other goalkeepers. Chelle’s selection also includes eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards, with five players earning their first national team call-ups.
The 26-year-old last featured for Nigeria in March 2024 during a friendly against Ghana. After more than a year away from the national team, Uzoho admitted that returning reminded him of the strong camaraderie within the squad.
“I missed the boys. I missed the vibe in the camp because we’ve been together for quite a long time,” Uzoho said. “The most noticeable thing I missed was being around the boys and all of us coming together through different challenges. We check up on each other. I have colleagues I’m closer to, but generally I reach out to the boys.”
Describing the call-up as both a relief and a source of joy, Uzoho said representing Nigeria remains the pinnacle of his career.
“I was filled with joy that I can’t really express right now. It was a relief knowing that I’m coming back to be with the boys, to have that same feeling we had before and to represent Nigeria, which is the most important thing,” he added. “Anyone called up to the national team is ready. If you’re not ready, you won’t be called up. I believe the technical crew and the scouts know what they’re doing. When they invite someone, it’s because they believe the player is ready to represent the country. So, I am ready, and if the time comes and the country needs me, I will be prepared.”
Uzoho also addressed reports of potential tension among the goalkeepers, affirming his strong relationship with first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali.
“I’m close to everyone, and Stanley is my brother,” he said. “When he came in, we were all together. We helped each other—I helped him, and he helped me. He’s a good guy, and I have a very close relationship with him. Maybe people outside don’t see it, but personally, I’m good with him.”
Nigeria will compete in Group C, facing Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. The Super Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on December 23, before matches against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27 and Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.
After finishing as runners-up at the previous AFCON following a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria will aim to secure their fourth continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
