Ukraine 2-2 Nigeria: Rufai says Uzoho not at fault for first goal

Omonia of Cyprus star, Francis Uzoho was not at fault for the first goal Nigeria conceded against Ukraine during an international friendly on Tuesday, according to former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.

The game which ended 2-2 saw the three-time African champions take a 2-0 lead in the first half but a strong second half fight back saw Manchester City wing-back Oleksandr Zinchenko beat Uzoho at his near post before Roman Yaremchuk levelled scores inside a minute.

Speaking with SportingLife, Rufai said: “You can’t blame Uzoho for the first goal against Ukraine because at that moment, the player (Zinchenko) was very close to goal and the situation would warrant any international goalkeeper to pay attention to the other angle to his goal.

“Uzoho performed well against Ukraine but he needs to be consistent. Only consistency will make him the number one.”

Nigeria won bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations while Ukraine are currently top of Group B in the Euro 2020 qualifier ahead of Christian Ronaldo’s Portugal.