Uzoho Opens Up on Emotional Return to Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON 2025

Francis Uzoho has spoken candidly about the overwhelming emotions he felt upon being recalled to the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The goalkeeper was the first player to report to camp in Cairo, arriving in the early hours of Sunday. He described the moment as a homecoming, one that instantly reconnected him with the spirit of the national team. Fellow goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali joined him later in the day as preparations intensified.

Reflecting on his time away from the squad, Uzoho admitted he deeply missed the camaraderie that define the Super Eagles’ camp culture.

‘I missed quite a lot. But I think I missed the boys, to be honest. I missed the boys. I missed the vibe in the camp, you know, because we’ve been quite a lot together,’ he told NFF TV.

He emphasized that the collective bond within the team was what he longed for the most.

‘The most noticeable thing I missed is the boys being around, the boys and us being together in all types of challenges. We do once in a while chat, we check up on each other… I have my own colleagues that I’m quite closer to, but in general I do reach out to the boys.’

Uzoho described the moment he learned of his recall as deeply uplifting and emotionally overwhelming.

‘I was filled with joy, a joy that I cannot actually express to you right now. It was relieving to know that I’m coming back again to be with the boys and to have that same feeling we used to have before, and to represent Nigeria, which is the most important thing.’

He also reaffirmed his readiness to serve the national team.

‘Anybody that is called up into the national team is ready. If you’re not ready, you won’t be called up. The technical crew and the scouts know what they’re doing… So basically, I am ready, and if the time comes and the country needs me, I will be ready.’

Uzoho spoke warmly about his relationship with the other goalkeepers in camp. On Amas Obasogie, he said: ‘I was with Amas twice in the national team before I stopped coming. He’s a good lad. We were close. I’m close to everybody.’

He was equally affectionate when speaking about Nwabali: ‘Stanley is my brother. When he came, we were all together. We helped each other. I helped him; he helped me. Stanley is a good guy, and I have a very close relationship with him. Maybe people outside don’t see it, but personally with him, I’m good. And also with Amas.’

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda for AFCON 2025. Before the tournament kicks off, the Super Eagles will face Egypt in a warm‑up match on Tuesday as they continue fine‑tuning their preparations.

The team will open their AFCON 2025 campaign on December 23 against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the Fez stadium in Fez, Morocco.