‘No rivalry with Nwabali’ - Uzoho reveals his relationship with Stanley ahead of AFCON 2025

Francis Uzoho has addressed perceptions of competition with current Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Uzoho dismissed any notion of rivalry, describing their relationship as one built on mutual respect and support.

“Stanley is my brother. 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,” he said.

Uzoho emphasised that any player invited to the national team must be fully prepared to deliver when called upon.

“Anyone called up to the national team is ready. If you’re not ready, you won’t be called up. I believe the technical crew and the scouts know what they’re doing. When they invite someone, it’s because they believe the player is ready to represent the country,” he explained.

Nigeria will head into the 2025 AFCON looking to build on their runners-up finish at the last tournament, where they lost 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.

The Super Eagles are aiming for a fourth continental crown, having previously won in 1980, 1994, and 2013.