Super Eagles: Returning Uzoho stabs Okoye in the back, defends ‘good guy’ Nwabali

Francis Uzoho has quelled talk of a rivalry with Stanley Nwabali after his recall to the Super Eagles for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025). The goalkeeper described Nwabali as “my brother” and stressed the close relationship he shares with both him and Amas Obasogie.

“Stanley is my brother, you know. When he came, we were all together. We helped each other. I helped him. He helped me. Stanley is a good guy, which I have a very close relationship with him. Maybe the people outside don’t see it, but personally, with him, I’m good. And also with Amas,” Uzoho told NFF Media.

With Nwabali still recovering from injuries to his ankle and hand, Uzoho could see playing time in Morocco. The Super Eagles are in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda and will face Egypt in a warm-up friendly on Tuesday before moving to Fès. Nigeria will aim to improve on their runner-up finish at the last AFCON, having lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the 2023 final.

What is Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 goalkeeping dynamic like?

Uzoho’s return comes amid questions over Maduka Okoye, who was left out after Udinese reportedly declined to release him unless he was guaranteed first-choice status.

That decision has opened the door for Uzoho to stake a claim as the backup to Nwabali or possibly feature in the starting XI if the Rivers-born keeper is not fully fit.

Nwabali displaced Uzoho as number one just before AFCON 2023, and Uzoho only saw brief minutes in the round of 16 against Cameroon. This dynamic adds intrigue to Nigeria’s preparations, as head coach Eric Chelle balances experience, form, and fitness in the squad’s final setup.

Uzoho’s comment, coming against the backdrop of recent suggestions of bad blood between Nwabali and Okoye, further fuel the intrigue around the Super Eagles goalkeeping situation.