Nigeria international Francis Uzoho produced a Man of the Match performance to help Omonia Nicosia claim a 1-0 away win over SK Rapid Wien in their UEFA Europa Conference League Matchday 5 clash on Thursday.
On the day of the match, Uzoho, who has been capped 35 times for the Super Eagles, was recalled to the national team for AFCON 2025, replacing Maduka Okoye. This marks his first call-up since the March 2024 international window.
Angelos Neofytou scored the only goal in the 19th minute, and Rapid Wien, despite registering 17 shots with seven on target, could not break down Omonia’s defence. Uzoho made six crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet, marking his second consecutive shutout in the competition.
Manager Henning Berg continued his goalkeeping rotation policy, giving Uzoho a fourth straight start ahead of Fabiano Freitas. The Nigerian international’s commanding display justified the decision.
Omonia’s Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho reacts to their defeat on the final whistle in the UEFA Europa League Group E football match between Manchester United and Omonoia Nicosia. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Rapid Wien, now the only team to lose all five matches in the group, were officially eliminated from the competition. Omonia’s visitors produced 31 clearances and 22 interceptions, holding firm despite Rapid tallying 31 touches in the opposition box.
Uzoho was booked in the 58th minute for time-wasting but remained composed. The victory, Omonia’s second of the campaign, lifts them to 15th in the overall Conference League standings and secures a spot in the Round of 16 playoff phase.
Uzoho, 27, has played only five games this season four in the Conference League and one in the domestic league as he serves as Omonia Nicosia’s second-choice goalkeeper.
Francis Uzoho. Photo Credit: Imago
Meanwhile, Nigeria and Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho returned from a hamstring injury as Celtic fell 3-0 to AS Roma in the Europa League. Iheanacho was introduced at half-time and had a goal ruled out for offside.
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Despite his return, he was left out of Nigeria coach Eric Chelle’s 28-man AFCON squad, ending a nine-year streak of tournament appearances.
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Since joining Celtic in September, Iheanacho has scored three goals and provided one assist but missed seven weeks through injury. His return gives Celtic a boost ahead of a busy winter schedule.
