Former Nigeria international Emeka Amadi has shielded Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho from criticism regarding Zimbabwe’s goal in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier held in Rwanda. Despite conceding from a long-range free-kick in the first half, Amadi absolved Uzoho of any blame, asserting that the goal would have challenged any goalkeeper.
Uzoho, who has faced heavy scrutiny for his performances, came close to allowing Zimbabwe a second goal late in the game when he fumbled a cross. Fortunately, the error went unpunished, but it added to the goalkeeper’s recent struggles.
Emeka Amadi, a FIFA U-20 World Cup silver medal winner in 1989, took to the airwaves on Brila FM to support Uzoho. He emphasized that the free-kick was exceptionally well taken, swerving from inside to outside, making it a challenging shot for any goalkeeper to save.
“It is not the fault of Francis Uzoho; the free-kick was well taken,” Amadi asserted. “The effort came from a place where no goalkeeper can save it; the ball swerved from in to out, so it is hard for a keeper to make a save. So for me, that ball can beat any goalkeeper.”
In the match held at Huye Stadium, Butare, Zimbabwe’s captain, Marvelous Nakamba, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance despite being held to a 1-1 draw by the Super Eagles. Walter Musona of Shekhunne United gave the hosts the lead in the 26th minute, and Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho equalized 25 minutes from time.
Nakamba, who plays for Premier League club Luton Town, believes that the Warriors deserved more from the game. Zimbabwe has now drawn their opening two games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and Nakamba remains optimistic about the team’s prospects in the tournament.
