Uzoho in race to get fit for Seychelles Nations Cup qualifier as he battles ankle injury

SUPER Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho is a doubt for Nigeria's Nations Cup qualifier against Seychelles taking place on September 8 after he picked up an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined for at least two weeks.

Next month, Nigeria will face Seychelles at the 10,000 capacity Stad Linité in a must-win qualifier after the Eagles lost their opening game 0-2 to South Africa in Uyo. Head coach Gernot Rohr has now, however, has a major headache as his first choice goalkeeper is in a tight race to be fit for the game.

Since the World Cup, where Uzoho was in goal for Nigeria, he is yet to see any action and has not featured for his club Deportivo La Coruna in any of their pre-season games. Apparently, Uzoho's ankle injury could see him spend a further two weeks on the sidelines before returning to training.

Uzoho's injury has also denied him the chance of leaving Deportivo La Coruna, where he has been told he will be the third choice goalkeeper of the first team but first choice for the B team, which plays in the third division. Several teams have expressed an interest in signing Uzoho but his injury has made it impossible for him to move.

Newly-promoted La Liga side Huesca had been one of the clubs keen to sign Uzoho as their first choice goalkeeper Alejandro Remiro returned to his parent club Athletico Bilbao following the expiration of his loan deal. However, Uzoho's injury has made it impossible for the club to assess him or go through a medical.