‘Nobody is beating Iheanacho’s record’ — Super Eagles returnee Uzoho compares current and past generations

Francis Uzoho has opened up on his return to the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reflecting on past Nigerian teams and the personalities that shaped his international career.

The goalkeeper also shared light-hearted memories of the unity and atmosphere within the national setup.

After spending nearly two years away from the national team, the 27-year-old Omonia FC shot-stopper has been enjoying his return to the Super Eagles fold in Morocco.

Uzoho featured for Nigeria for the first time since January 2024 when he came on during the group-stage clash against Uganda, a game Nigeria won 3–1 to complete a perfect AFCON 2025 group campaign.

It was also his first start for the national team since November 2023, and the goalkeeper admitted the moment meant a lot to him, even though he is expected to return to the bench when Stanley Nwabali resumes duty in the knockout rounds.

Speaking to Pulse Sports after the match, Uzoho said: “I felt good. It felt good to be out yesterday with the boys. It was a good feeling.”

When asked to compare the current Super Eagles squad with past generations, Uzoho was quick to praise the defensive unit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as his favourite.

He praised the understanding and chemistry shared by that backline, which included Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong.

When asked about his favourite defensive partnership to play behind, Uzoho said, “I think it was the pair at the 2018 Russia World Cup. It was solid. We understood each other, and the partnership was great,” he recalled.

Beyond tactics and structure, Uzoho also touched on the lighter side of camp life, naming Kelechi Iheanacho as the squad’s all-time best funny man.

“Kelechi Iheanacho still holds that record. Nobody is beating that,” he said, acknowledging the Celtic forward’s influence on team atmosphere even in his absence.