Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro has said that the onus is on him to make Francis Uzoho a better goalkeeper.
Uzoho, 24, made the blunder that led to Salman Al Faraj’s goal in Saudi Arabia’s 2-2 draw against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao on Friday.
Meanwhile, Peseiro has come out to back the Omonia goalkeeper amid the error.
“When I arrived here, I remember I was told to change the goalkeeper. I spoke with all of them, no one feels comfortable because everybody attacked them. I like our players, when they make mistakes, it is my responsibility,” Peseiro disclosed as quoted by Brila FM.
The Portuguese manager further stated that the fans don’t criticise the strikers as much the goalkeepers when they miss goalscoring opportunities.
“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.”
Salman Al-Faraj opened the scoring for the Green Falcons in the hour mark, while Abdulelah Al-Amri deflected Boniface’s strike to level terms for the Super Eagles in the 73rd minute.
Eight minutes later, Kelechi Iheanacho gave Nigeria the lead with a good finish and Mohammed Kanno’s deflected strike restored parity for Roberto Mancini’s side before stoppage time as both teams played out a two-all scoreline in Portugal.
