FRANCIS UZOHO is happy to be back in Nigeria's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after being away from international football for a while.
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The Omonia goalkeeper, who played in the previous edition of the tournament, was a surprise pick in Eric Chelle's team heading to Morocco after Maduka Okoye was left out.
Uzoho is now competing with Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie for the starting goalkeeper spot. He also mentioned that he was the first player to arrive at the Super Eagles' camp in Cairo's Renaissance Hotel.
Speaking to the team's media, the 27-year-old shared how thrilled he was to be back, reflected on how he found out he was included in the final squad, and talked about what he missed most about the three-time African champions.
He also confirmed his readiness for the upcoming challenge. "I was really happy, you know, happy in a way I can't really explain right now," said the Cyprus-based goalkeeper.
"It felt good to know I'm coming back to be with the team and feel that same feeling we used to have before. Representing Nigeria is the most important thing."I think any player called up by the national team is ready. If you're not ready, you won’t be called up."The technical staff and scouts know what they're doing. And when they call someone up, they know that person is ready to play for the country.
"So basically, I'm ready. And if the country needs me, I'll be ready." Uzoho added: "I missed a lot, but honestly, I missed the team. I missed the atmosphere in camp, because we've done a lot together. "Sometimes, we chat and check in with each other.
Yeah, so I do stay in touch with the team, even though I have my own colleagues I'm close to." When asked about his relationship with the other goalkeepers, the former Deportivo La Coruna keeper said: "I've been with Amas (Obasogie) twice before I stopped playing for the national team.
He's a good guy, and we were close. I'm close to everyone. "And for Stanley (Nwabali), he's like my brother.
When he first joined, we were all together. We helped each other. I helped him and he helped me. He's a good guy, and I have a very close relationship with him. Maybe people outside don’t see this."
As of Monday morning, only eight players had arrived at the camp: Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi.
More players are expected to join later in the day as Chelle's squad gets ready for a possible fourth African title, especially after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria's first match will be against Tanzania on December 23 at the Fez Stadium, followed by games against Tunisia and Uganda on December 27 and 30 respectively.
The Super Eagles last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final, with Sunday Mba scoring the winning goal at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.