Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle could hand Franjo Uzoho the captain’s armband for Nigeria 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 the defending champions of the four-nation tournament, but preparations have been affected by the absence of some experienced players.
Chelle has named Ndidi and Simon in his squad to provide leadership to a squad that is mainly made up of homegrown players and new talent from Europe.
However, both players missed Sunday’s training session, leaving doubts over their availability ahead of the match.
Their absence forced Chelle to consider alternative leadership options within the team.
Uzoho reacts to the possibility of the captain
Uzoho has emerged as one of the strongest candidates to lead the team because of his experience with the national team.
Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper made his debut for the Super Eagles 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 to captain the team.
“I am the full-time captain, sitting for this game for Wilfred Ndidi,” said Uzoho.
“It’s an honor to play for this national team for so long, to represent my country. At the end I will have a (captain’s) band, if the coach chooses me to play.
“So it’s an honor. I actually appreciate it and it also makes me realize and reflect on my efforts and hard work over the past year. So I’m very happy.”
Okonkwo pushes debut
Despite his seniority, Uzoho could still start on the bench, with Arthur Okonkwo heavily tipped to make his debut for the Super Eagles against Zimbabwe.
The former Arsenal academy goalkeeper recently completed his switch of citizenship from England to Nigeria after an impressive season with Wrexham in the English Championship.
Okonkwo has kept 10 clean sheets in 39 league games and has impressed the coaching staff since arriving early at the Nigerian’s London training camp.
Regular goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye have been left out of the squad as Chelle looks to assess new options ahead of the upcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
