Francis Uzoho: Omonia silent about Super Eagles star after injury against Jordan

Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho’s situation is uncertain at the moment, as he was missing from Omonia Nicosia’s 2-0 win over Pafos on Saturday, Afrik-Foot reports.

Uzoho was named in Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for Nigeria’s friendly games against Iran and Jordan in March. But while he sat out the first fixture against Team Melli, he replaced Maduka Okoye in the second game against Jordan last week Tuesday.

Uzoho conceded one goal but had a decent showing until the 56th minute, when he fell to the floor in pain, as it appeared that he had an issue in his thigh region. Hence, he had to be replaced by Adebayo Adeleye.

Francis Uzoho, Paul Onuachu, Ryan Alebiosu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Victor Osimhen,Moses Simon, Igoh Ogbu, Samuel Chukwueze, Bruno Onyemaechi and of Nigeria during the AFCON match between Uganda and the Super Eagles — Super Eagles. Photo by IMAGO

From Uzoho’s gesticulations and body language, it looked like a hamstring injury. But after the game, coach Eric Chelle did not give an update on the 27-year-old shot-stopper.

So it was expected that when he returned to his club in Cyprus, he would undergo medical checks and an update would be revealed afterward. However, that is yet to happen.

Francis Uzoho Missing From Omonia Squad

Francis Odinaka Uzoho of Nigeria celebrates during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 match between Nigeria and Cameroon at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on the 27 January 2024 — Francis Uzoho of Super Eagles – Photo by Icon Sport

Omonia played their first game after the international break on Saturday. They welcomed close rivals Pafos for their Cyprus League Championship playoffs and claimed a 2-0 win.

But notably, Uzoho was not the one in between the sticks. He was also missing from the matchday squad. Furthermore, coach Henning Berg failed to speak about him in the post-match conference.

This puts his situation in serious doubt, as it is unconfirmed whether he is seriously injured or if it was a minor knock.

UEFA Conference League, SK Rapid Wien vs AC Omonia Nicosia. Image shows Francis Uzoho — Francis Uzoho for Omonia Copyright: ImagoxGEPAxpictures/xKevinxHackner

From the way he was moving during the international break, it seemed like a muscle injury. However, these types of injuries are variable and have different recovery times.

Before the international break, he had played Omonia’s last five games. This injury is a big setback for him, as he is now unsure of reclaiming his starting shirt.

At the moment, the most important thing is to ascertain his current situation and whether he will still play this season.