Deportivo La Coruna of Spain B-team goalkeeper, Francis Odianaka Uzoho appears heading closer to Nigeria’s first choice spot for shot-stoppers to the World Cup, following his stunning displays in training with the Super Eagles.
Uzoho has been rated tops in terms of statistics, shots blocked and saves made, among all four keepers invited to camp in Uyo, such that observers are quick to rate him a sure bet for a starting role in Russia.
Uzoho was again outstanding from the word go, as he put up brilliant efforts in the Eagles’ first training session as a group, in preparation for their upcoming pre World Cup friendly game against Congo DR in Port Harcourt.
The session had four goalkeepers and 12 outfield players in attendance and lasted close to two hours at the training pitch of Godswill Akpabio Stadium, as Uzoho rated ahead of Dele Ajiboye, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi.
Arsenal star, Alex Iwobi showed his abilities during a close game among the players with his vision and ability to get out of tight spaces very much the hallmark of his performance.
The goalkeepers were not left out of the session with their trainer, Enrico Pionetti taking them on shooting exercise after some drills to help them warm up properly for the exercise.
Uzoho impressed the most with his reflexes particularly when it comes to parry shots away, while Ezenwa appears a bit slow in reacting after making a punched save.
Akpeyi was also not far off in making saves off efforts and from our counts made the second highest save after Uzoho who stopped more efforts during the drills.
Uzoho was again outstanding when the players were shared into two different teams by Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, after the traditional warming up, light exercises and shooting drills.
Rohr lined the team up in a way which suggest he is already building the team for the Congo DR friendly as most of the regular players were lined up in one team, while the rest who are trying to win a spot were lined up in a separate team.
The highlight of the one hour training session game saw newly invited Crotone forward Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo open scoring in a spectacular fashion with a lob over the head of the goalkeeper, Ezenwa.
