Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle could hand Francis Uzoho the captain’s armband for Nigeria’s Unity Cup semi-final clash against Zimbabwe after senior players Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon failed to report to camp.
Nigeria will face Zimbabwe at The Valley Stadium in London on Tuesday as defending champions of the four-nation tournament, but preparations have been affected by the absence of some experienced players.
Chelle named Ndidi and Simon in his squad to provide leadership for a team largely made up of home-based players and emerging talents from Europe.
However, both players missed Sunday’s training session, leaving doubts over their availability ahead of the encounter.
Their absence has forced Chelle to consider alternative leadership options within the squad.
Uzoho reacts to captaincy possibility
Uzoho has emerged as one of the strongest candidates to lead the team due to his experience with the national side.
The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper made his Super Eagles debut in 2017 and was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Speaking during Monday’s pre-match press conference, the 27-year-old admitted it would be a proud moment if he captains the team.
“I’m a sitting captain, I’m sitting for this match for Wilfred Ndidi,” Uzoho said.
“It’s an honour playing so long for this national team, representing my country. Eventually, I’m about to have the band (captain’s), if the coach picks me for the game.
“So, it’s an honour to me. So I actually appreciate and it also makes me realise and reflect on my efforts and my hard work on this past year. So, I’m very happy.”
Okonkwo pushing for debut
Despite his seniority, Uzoho may still start on the bench, with Arthur Okonkwo heavily tipped to make his Super Eagles debut against Zimbabwe.
The former Arsenal academy goalkeeper recently completed his nationality switch from England to Nigeria after an impressive season with Wrexham in the English Championship.
Okonkwo kept 10 clean sheets in 39 league matches and has impressed the coaching staff since arriving early at Nigeria’s London training camp.
Regular goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye were omitted from the squad as Chelle looks to assess new options ahead of upcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
