Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili has revealed that he didn’t know fellow shot-stopper Francis Uzoho before meeting him at the team’s training camp for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Until recently, there has been uncertainty over who starts as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper in the competition.
Coach Jose Peseiro initially selected six goalkeepers in his 40-man provisional squad. The list included Nwabili, Uzoho, Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba), Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem), Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance), and Christian Nwoke (Sporting Lagos). However, only Nwabili, Uzoho, and Ojo eventually made the final cut for the tournament in Ivory Coast. Peseiro further surprised everyone by starting Nwabili ahead of Uzoho in the opening match against Equatorial Guinea.
Speaking to reporters in Abidjan before Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Ivory Coast, the Chippa United goalkeeper downplayed any sense of rivalry with Uzoho.
“You see, even before I came here I didn’t know them much,” Nwabili admitted. “I only know Ojo, I did not know Uzoho. I came to the camp, Uzoho is one of the [most] amazing guys I have ever seen. He’s a nice guy like Ojo.”
“We always talk to ourselves to see how everyone improves. We always work hard together. I just wish everyone improves for the country,” he added.
