SUPER Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro believes his goalkeepers, including Francis Uzoho, are lacking in confidence because of the relentless criticism from Nigerians.
Uzoho was in goal in the 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia last night and his error led to the opening goal, when he turned in a free-kick into his own net when it looked easier to make a save.
Super Eagles goalkeepers have committed costly errors in recent games, with Maduka Okoye’s howler against Tunisia leading to an early exit in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 and Uzoho gifting Ghana a goal as Nigeria were denied a Qatar 2022 World Cup ticket last year.
Peseiro believes his goalkeepers’ confidence has been drained by the negative reviews of their performances.
“When I arrived here, I spoke with all the goalkeepers and none of them felt comfortable because everybody attacks them,” the Portuguese coach said in his post-match interview after last night’s friendly in Portimao.
“I like our players, when they make mistakes it is my responsibility.
“The goalkeepers never play free or calm because of the people. I don’t know why they attack the goalkeepers every time.
“Why don’t they attack the strikers when they lose the ball or miss a goal, why?
“They could make mistakes, it is my responsibility. Next time I need to train him (Uzoho) better.”
Peseiro also explained that he called up Okoye of Udinese because of the travel constraints of Enyimba goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke and Israel-based Adebayo Adeleye.
The former Saudi Arabia head coach said Okoye would have to be active at his club if he were to get back his spot in the national team.
The 24-year-old is yet to play a single minute for Udinese since joining the Italian club from Watford this summer and he played only four times in a while year for the English club.
