Deportivo de La Coruña goalkeeper Francis Uzoho is set to earn a spot in Nigeria’s World Cup going by his form for Depor Fabril in the Segunda División B – Grupo I.
The former Golden Eaglets invitee won plaudits from the fans following his performance on his debut against the Argentinian national team last November, keeping the strikers at bay as Nigeria came from behind to beat the two-time world champions 4-2.
Despite the fact Uzoho is only 19 years, he will be a key figure for the Super Eagles at the World Cup as he is expected to be the number one goalkeeper, provided that Vincent Enyeama does not return to the squad.
The teenager has taken part in 15 matches for Deportivo de La Coruña across all levels – 2 in La Liga and 13 in the third-tier – and has posted an impressive 11 shutouts, including Saturday’s clash vs Ponferradina.
Only eight players Portu, Aday, Alex Arias, David Añón, Randy Nteka, Juanma, Luismi Quezada and Cristo González have managed to score against Uzoho in the current season.
He kept a clean sheet against Eibar, Real Madrid Castilla, R. Majadahonda, Valladolid B, CD Guijuelo, Atl. Madrid B , Celta Vigo B, CD Toledo, UD Sanse, R. Majadahonda and Ponferradina.
Vincent Enyeama is the youngest goalkeeper to play for Nigeria at the World Cup, he was aged 19 years, 9 months and 14 days when he started against England on June 12, 2002.
Uzoho would beat that record if he is named in the starting line-up against Croatia on June 16.
