Sports

Super Eagles coach, Peseiro backs under-fire goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho

Published

7 months ago

October 20, 2023

Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro, has thrown his weight behind his under-fire goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho after scathing criticism from fans of the Super Eagles following his school boy errors in recent friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.

While reacting to unsavoury comments on his number one goalkeeper, Peseiro said, “every player makes mistakes”.

The Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper had an error-strewn run in the two matches with the most glaring mistake coming against Saudi Arabia when he misjudged a flighted delivery and palmed the ball into his own net.

Uzoho had come in for heavy condemnation from Nigerians after his errors in the matches saw the Saudis pick up a 2-2 draw in the first friendly match before he also showed a shaky form in the 3-2 win over Mozambique.

The display by the Cyprus-based keeper became the major talking point among Nigerians, which forced the Portuguese coach to come to the defence of his first choice goal tender.

While speaking with BBC Sports, Peseiro said:

“In Nigeria, every time they attack the goalkeepers. Why don’t they attack the strikers who miss goals? It is the same.

“If I change them every time, or punish them when they make mistakes, one day I won’t have any players, because every player makes mistakes.

“We understand and accept that the fans are free to shout or speak. It is normal. Me, Uzoho and the players accept that. It is my obligation and my responsibility to keep the confidence and support our players.

“The only problem for me is if Uzoho doesn’t resist the criticism.

“The criticism is good for us also – sometimes it can open our eyes. But I know that, in Nigeria, people prefer to attack the goalkeeper. With me, Uzoho has only made one mistake until now.”

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Sports

Botswanan Tebogo hits at Kenyan Omanyala over claims of being African sprint king

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Botswanan sprint sensation,
Letsile Tebogo, has hit back at Kenyan 100m champion, Ferdinand Omanyala, over claims that he is the king of African sprint.

Omanyala, in an Track and Field network in April, had laid claims to being the true king of Africa in sprints having risen to prominence in 2021 when he set the record as the fastest man in the continent when he ran 9.77 at the 3rd edition of the Absa Kip Keino classic.

The following year, Omanyala won the 2022 African title in Mauritius, as well as the 100m gold at the Commonwealth Games, feats he believes bestows on him the title of Africa’s king of the sprint.

Though it has not been all rosy for the 28-year-old Omanyala as he has faltered at some big stages having failed to make the final of the Olympic games in Tokyo in 2021 and finished a disappointing seventh at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year, he still believes he is head and shoulders above other African stars.

On the other hand, 20-year-old Tebogo has already scored medals in both the 100 and 200m races at the highest stage, which has given him the right to question Omanyala’s claims

“I do not have anything to say. Everything will reveal itself as time goes on,” Tebogo said in an interview with the same Track and Field network on Tuesday.

“To me, it does not make sense if you are the African champion, but where it mattered the most, he could not step in,” he added.

Tebogo who has proven his mettle in the 200m which he claims is the easiest race to compete in, believes it should also be used as a gauge to test the fastest men in the continent apart from just the 100m.

“The 100 is very tactical. Any day can be your day. I believe we should include both races,” he added.

Sports

Super Falcons star Nnadozie wins best goalkeeper in France

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Super Falcons of Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has entered the history books as she became the first female African player to win best goalkeeper award in France.

Nnadozie was on Tuesday, named the best goalkeeper in France by the National Union of Professional Footballers.

Nnadozie received recognition for her 2023–24 season-long brilliant performances for Paris FC where she posted regular woman of the match performances.

The Nigerian international won the individual title by defeating a formidable competition that includes Christiane Endler of Olympic Lyon, Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of PSG, Chloe N’Gazi of FC Fleury, and Kinga Szemik of Stade de Reims.

Last month, the 23-year-old also won the title of top goalie in the French D1 Arkema women’s league.

Nnadozie’s exploits in saving penalties have also solidified her place among the world’s top goalkeepers, saving seven penalties, the most by any goalie in Europe.

The Super Falcons keeper has made a name for herself as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers after relocating to France in 2020 and the award is reward for her sterling performances.

Nnadozie took to social media to celebrate the award with a message that said:

“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by this award. Thanks to the organisers @tropheesunfp for recognizing my efforts and presenting this prestigious award to me.

“A big thanks to @parisfc_feminines , the club president, the entire team staff , the fans and my wonderful teammates.

“Your belief in me and my work is a tremendous source of motivation.

“Receiving this award is truly humbling, and I am immensely thankful for the recognition. Your support means the world to me.

“Can’t thank my family enough for their prayers and support. My naija Giants, Una pikin Dey loyal , big love ❤️🇳🇬.”

Since the beginning of the 2023–24 season, Nnadozie has been the top penalty specialist and has made the most saves from her position among elite goalkeepers in the men’s and women’s top European leagues.

She has made five saves during her team’s run in the Women’s Champions League, and she has two in the league.