Francis Uzoho: Super Eagles goalkeeper hails De Gea, Enyeama as role models

Francis Uzoho made his debut for the Super Eagles in the friendly against Argentina.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has hailed David De Gea and Vincent Enyeama as his role models.

The shot-stopper who is just 19-year-old plays for Deportivo La Coruna in Spain and is now part of the Super Eagles set up.

Uzoho made an entry to the senior national team set up after first-choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme could no longer continue.

Uzoho who was part of the Golden Eaglets side that won the 2013 FIFA under-17 World Cup, and is said to be favoured by Gernot Rohr to be the Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Speaking to AclSports the shot-stopper hailed the De Gea and Enyeama for having a positive influence in his career.

He revealed that Enyeama was a role model for him due to his ever impressive performances for the Super Eagles, while as a Manchester United supporter he looks up to De Gea.

He said, “Talk of now and when I was growing up, my idol was Vincent Enyeama because I watched him a lot and also David De Gea because I’m a Manchester United fan.

“Both of them are the goalkeepers I looked up to and still looking up to now,”

Uzoho on Super Eagles debut

The Deportivo La Coruna shot-stopper also revealed that he was happy to make his debut for the Super Eagles in the friendly game against Argentina.

“I felt happy (with the debut) although it was a decision taken before the game started,” Uzoho said

Uzoho was introduced in the second half and did not concede for the remainder of the game as Nigeria defeated Argentina 4-2.

 

He revealed that he was not nervous as he was about to make his first appearance.

“So, I felt good and when the second half came and they asked me to enter into the field, I was really happy. Tension? No, I don’t think so.”

The 19-year-old will have to battle with the experienced duo of Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi as they are all included among the 28 players invited for the Poland and Serbia friendlies.

The Super Eagles take on Poland on Friday, March 23, and will later play Serbia on Tuesday, March 27.