'Why don't they attack the strikers?' - Peseiro warns fans to stop making Super Eagles GKs uncomfortable

Speaking post-match after his side conceded an injury time goal to draw 2-2 with Saudi Arabia in an international friendly on Friday evening, manager Jose Peseiro fired a warning to Super Eagles fans, saying that their constant criticism of national team goalkeepers does more harm than good. 

Francis Uzoho is in the spotlight again for the wrong reasons after his horrendous blunder gifted the Saudi Arabians the opening goal and he didn't cover himself in glory for the second goal conceded ten minutes into second half stoppage time. 

The signs were there that Uzoho was not at his best heading into the friendly against Saudi Arabia, given that he has been inactive for his Cypriot club since May 20, 2023.

Even before today's clash, the 24-year-old was not a popular figure with Super Eagles fans, many of whom feel he was the chief culprit for Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Eleven minutes into the contest at the MKO Abiola Stadium, a shot from Thomas Partey squirmed under the body of Uzoho and went into the net and that goal proved decisive as the Super Eagles were eliminated via the away-goal rule. 

When asked to share his thoughts on the Super Eagles goalkeeping department, Peseiro said: "I like our players, when they do mistakes it is my responsibility. I don't know if Nigerians can provocate that situation because the goalkeepers never play free, never play calm because the people, I don't know why, attack the goalkeeper every time. 

"Why don't they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss a goal, why?

"Every time, when I arrived here I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper and the goalkeeper does not feel comfortable.

"I spoke with all of them. No one feels comfortable because everybody attacked them. They could do mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (Uzoho) better."

Uzoho has posted 12 clean sheets in 31 appearances for the Super Eagles while conceding 31 goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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