Nigeria Keeper Uzoho Out for Rest of Season

The Super Eagles suffered a major setback on Sunday, when goalkeeper Francis Uzoho had to leave the field on a stretcher.

It came just after the hour mark as drew Nigeria 1-1 against Brazil in Singapore.

Looking to block a low cross, Uzoho landed awkwardly and ruptured his ACL.  His Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia released a statement confirming the injury: “Francis Uzoho has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus”.

The injury will put Uzoho out for the next 6 months, ensuring that he will not feature again for the rest of the season.

He will, however, receive financial compensation from world football’s governing body.  The FIFA Club Protection Programme is designed to compensate those players that are prevented playing for their club through injury on international duty.

Uzoho will receive the full amount set aside for players that miss over 28 days: €20,548.  Brazilian star Neymar Jnr will also receive the same amount, after he limped off the field in the same match after just 10 minutes.

It’s been a tough start to the season for Uzoho, who has lacked the minutes he needs to keep his place in the Nigerian starting 11.

He joined Omonia Nicosia from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna on loan this summer in search of more game time.