Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has taken to his official social media platforms to apologize to Nigerian football fans.
The apology comes after he took to his official Snapchat account to get back at criticism he received during the latest international window.
After a disappointing 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia where Uzoho had a blunder in goal, the Super Eagles defeated ten-men Mozambique in Portugal on Tuesday evening, but the goalkeeper remained top of the headlines after yet another error. It ended in a comeback 3-2 win thanks to goals from Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka, and a well-struck penalty from Moses Simon.
The criticisms and online outrage from the fans got to him and hours after the win against Mozambique, the 24-year-old goalkeeper took to his Snapchat story to put out his response to his critics, posting a picture of himself and captioned it; “Do it if it’s easy.”
🇳🇬🗣"If e easy, go do am Make oyibo man sign you! ✌🏽"
Super Eagles Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho on Snapchat has a message to those it may concern.😤 pic.twitter.com/g9KB4Hmz7i
— Tuscym12 (@Tuscym____001) October 17, 2023
The Mozambique game marked Nigeria’s first International friendly win for the first time since 2019 and Coach Jose Peseiro’s first non-competitive win too.
Barely two days after the Snapchat incident, the Omonia S.C. goalkeeper has now decided to apologize to Nigerians, assuring that he will improve in the future.
Francis Uzoho apologizes to Nigerians
Uzoho has now taken to his official social media platforms to apologize to Nigerian football fans for the response to the recent criticisms he received.
“It has come to my attention that my recent Snapchat has not been my best behaviour towards you as my loyal fans, he began in a short statement on his accounts.
“I apologize for this as it was not my intention to conduct myself in such manner toward the fans who have supported and motivated me through my career.
“My actions were more a result of frustration stemming from the actions of someone in my circle (will keep the identity private for now).
“Accepting criticism is part of my job and one that I often welcome from the people who continue to support me.
“I accept your criticisms with the utmost respect and understanding that you all want me to do better.
“I want you all to know that I continue to grow daily as a person and in my career and you all are a vital part of my growth and success.
“My actions are aimed to reflect this and will continue to do so. In Christ alone.”
Uzoho gets support from Peseiro, teammates
Coach Jose Peseiro leaped into Francis Uzoho’s defense after the howler against Saudi Arabia and it appears the Portuguese has settled for the Cyprus-based goalkeeper as his number one.
He said: “The goalkeepers never play free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time. Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss a goal, why?. They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (Uzoho) better.”
In a related development, teammates like Adebayo Adeleye, Moses Simon, and Kelechi Iheanacho have come out to show support for the goalkeeper as well.
Nigeria will begin their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers next month and Uzoho will be hoping to have a fresh start and get along with the fans again.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 weeks ago
