Uzoho Explains Reason Africa Goalkeepers Struggle in Europe

Uzoho Explains Reason Africa Goalkeepers Struggle in Europe

By Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria's Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has revealed the reason it is difficult for African goalkeepers to be ranked among the best in Europe.

Uzoho is currently on loan to Cyprus club Omonia Nicosia from Spanish La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna said the team prefer to play an indigene in the position.

Before he was loaned Uzoho was in goal for few matches for Deportivo and adjudged man of the match in the involving Atletico Madrid.

Explained while speaking on Lagos Talk Radio on Thursday morning.

“It is very difficult for African goalkeepers to succeed in Europe. Outfield players have the advantage but for a goalkeeper, this is a position for just one player throughout 90 minutes.

“So most of the times some clubs will like to use an indigene to play in that position because in football there are rules for foreign players. So some clubs uses that position to play their own indigenous players.

“It is also difficult because right from time, not so many African goalkeepers has played to the top level. So the clubs have a little bit of fear, they are not so convinced about a black goalkeeper.

“Even your team mates in the same club make fun of African goalkeeper. Those are the major problems goalkeepers from Africa face in Europe,” he said.