AFCONQ countdown : The Israeli-based player who should get starting place in Super Eagles 

Nigeria's Super Eagles will this month play against Guinea-Bissau as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continue.

Two wins from the games on the 24th and 27th will guarantee the three-time African champions' qualification for the next AFCON in Ivory Coast.

In this piece, All Nigeria Soccer begins a countdown ahead of the game with a look at all the positions on the pitch and how players in each of the 11 positions are gearing up.

Today, we look at the goalkeepers.

The goalkeeping situation for the Super Eagles looks gloomy ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau.

Francis Uzoho was promising in the Europa League for Cypriot side, Omonia Nicosia against Manchester United at Old Trafford, earning rave reviews from the local and foreign press, but has struggled for game time since January 22, with only one appearance in the last six league games. 

Uzoho is one of the mainstays in the Super Eagles and is expected to be invited for the fixtures on March 24 and 27.

For Maduka Okoye, the situation is even worse.

The Watford goalkeeper has had a very torrid time at Championship side Watford. 

Okoye has not been on the good books of Nigerian football supporters since his AFCON 2021 gaffe. 

The German-born glovesman has been in action for just two matches in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season which they lost 2-0 to MK Dons and Reading respectively.

However, Hapoel Jerusalem safe hands, Adebayo Adeleye has been the most consistent Nigerian goalkeeper in the European leagues with 19 league matches to his name this season.

The 22-year-old based on his good form deserves to be ahead of the duo of Uzoho and Okoye in the pecking order but the big question remains if he will get the confidence and trust of Jose Peseiro and his technical crew despite pressures from external sources.

Adeleye has conceded 19 goals in those 19 matches he was in action for his Israel club this season, while keeping eight clean sheets. 

Barring injuries and any string of poor performances ahead of the release of players' list for the AFCON qualifiers, Nigerians expect the youngster to be part of the team. 

All Nigeria Soccer's verdict:

For fairness sake and based on form, Adebayo should be handed the first choice gloves for the games against Guinea-Bissau. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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