I was shocked – Olympic gold medalist disappointed with Peseiro, Uzoho’s remarks after Super Eagles goalkeeping errors

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dosu Joseph has expressed astonishment over recent remarks made by Coach Jose Peseiro and Francis Uzoho in response to mounting criticism of Uzoho’s below-par displays, Soccernet.ng reports.

Uzoho’s unimpressive displays during friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal have prompted doubts about his suitability as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper conceded four goals in two games as the Super Eagles drew against the Asian powerhouse and narrowly defeated the Mambas.

It would be recalled that Uzoho was partly at fault for the goal that helped Ghana stop Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations around the corner, Nigerians have called for the national team management to seek a more competent option between the posts.

However, in a surprising turn of events, coach Peseiro has criticised fans for blaming his goalkeepers.

The Portuguese coach noted that Super Eagles strikers do not face as much scrutiny, even when they miss glaring scoring opportunities, especially pointing out the number of chances wasted by the team during their last friendly match against Mozambique.

In a chat with DailyTrust about the apparent goalkeeping crisis ahead of the 2023 AFCON in January, Dosu Joseph expressed his disbelief at Peseiro and Uzoho’s apparent disregard for the problem.

He said, “I was shocked when I read the comments of Jose Peseiro, which suggested that there is no problem.

“He said when strikers miss goals, they are not criticised, which means he does not want his goalkeepers to be called out even when they make mistakes.

“I am surprised that he is comfortable with what is happening, and his employers are not saying anything. Well, if NFF are comfortable with it, that’s fine.”

Dosu also commented on Uzoho’s response, noting,

“I also read that Uzoho himself said those Nigerians who are criticising him should come for trials in Europe and show how good they are. Maybe he is not happy with those who want him to be a better goalkeeper.

“It is surprising how these present players respond to those who criticise them. If even former internationals are not qualified to correct them, then it is better to keep quiet.”

Dosu, the only home-based player in the squad, was the number-one goalkeeper as Nigeria stunned the world to win the gold medal at the 1996 Atalanta Olympic Games.