Former Golden Eaglets
goalkeeper Francis Uzoho hailed a memorable Deportivo La Coruna debut
after keeping a clean sheet in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Eibar, BBC Sport reports.
The 18-year-old, who arrived at the club from Qatar’s Aspire
Academy in January, produced four important saves to help Deportivo claim a
point.
“A day that will never disappear from my memory – my debut –
thanks all for the support,” he said.
Uzoho is the youngest foreign goalkeeper to ever play in La
Liga.
At 18 years 11 months and 17 days, he becomes the second
youngest player in La Liga this season, behind Real Madrid’s Moroccan defender
Achraf Hakimi – who made his debut at 18 years 10 months 27 days earlier this
month.
Uzoho follows in the footsteps of Wilfred Agbonavbare and
Peter Rufai as Nigerian goalkeepers to have played in the Spanish top flight.
After regular first-choice goalkeeper Ruben had suffered a
finger injury, Deportivo boss Pepe Mel opted for the Nigerian ahead of the
experienced Costel Pantilimon and was impressed by the youngster.
“A coach has to act according to the things he sees in
training,” Mel said.
“He is only 18 and he can barely speak Spanish but I know
what he can offer this club.”
Uzoho will be hoping he has done enough to make a second
appearance when Deportivo host Girona on 23 October.
The goalkeeper was part of the victorious Nigeria squad at
the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, albeit without
playing a single minute at the tournament.
Deportivo have a long history of giving African goalkeepers
opportunities.
Rufai, who won the
Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations and appeared at two World Cups, played
for the club between 1997 and 1999.
Copyright PUNCH.
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