GK Uzoho Set To Write His Name Into World Cup Folklore On June 16 Vs Croatia

It is almost a foregone conclusion that Deportivo La Coruña goalkeeper Francis Uzoho will write his name into the history books this month after his inclusion in Nigeria's 23-man World Cup squad.

 

Aged 19 years, Uzoho will become the youngest goalkeeper among the 32 participating nations to play at the 2018 World Cup match if he is selected in goal in the Super Eagles opener against Croatia on June 16.

Vincent Enyeama, who was aged 19 years 9 months and 14 days when he posted a shutout in the goalless draw with England on June 12, 2002, was the youngest goalkeeper to feature in the tournament held in Japan and South Korea, ahead of Spaniard Iker Casillas (21 years 13 days) and Uruguay's Fabián Carini (22 years 5 months and 6 days).

Now at Lille, Enyeama wasn't even the youngest Nigeria goalie on the roster for the 2002 World Cup, with the honour going to an 18-year-old Austin Ejide but the Israeli-based star was not fielded during the tournament.

Uzoho is the youngest ever foreign goalkeeper in the history of La Liga, aged 18 years 11 months and 17 days when he made his debut last October against Eibar and is set to add another record to his name in the next 11 days.

The Aspire Academy product has started the last four matches contested by the Super Eagles.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel