Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has clarified the strong bond he shares with Stanley Nwabali, revealing that outsiders misunderstand their harmonious relationship during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where both shone in Nigeria's runner-up campaign. Uzoho emphasized on December 15, 2025, that despite perceptions of competition, the duo maintained mutual support and respect, with Nwabali's penalty heroics against South Africa complementing his own solid performances earlier in the tournament.[web:previous]
He highlighted how external narratives fueled false rivalry tales, but internally, they focused on national success, training together without friction and celebrating each other's saves as a unit under coach José Peseiro.
Uzoho's candid revelation underscores the camaraderie that propelled Nigeria to the final, silencing doubters and affirming goalkeeping depth as key to future triumphs amid ongoing national team debates.