7 of the best teenagers who will feature in the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Francis Uzoho

Youngest goalkeeper at 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The goalkeeping position has caused a lot of headache to Nigeria Coach Gernot Rohr and his crew ever since first-choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with Leukemia. And it has been a dilly dally affair since then, many goalkeepers have been treated over time but none of them have covered themselves in much glory.

From a certain Daniel Akpeyi to Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and reaching a point where retired Vincent Enyeama was touted to return to the fold- club inactivity might have been the obstacle, the road to finding a suitable replacement has been particularly bumpy. But alas a relatively unknown 19-year old Francis Uzoho has stepped up to the task of manning the post and with the backing of the coach, he looks set to be Nigeria’s No.1 in what will be his first World Cup going with the youngest team of the tournament.

A Deportivo la Coruna B regular, he has made a handful of appearances for the first team and has gone on to play for Nigeria having made his debut last November. Prone to occasional errors – as expected from a young player, playing the last couple of friendly games would have given his confidence a good boost. A dilemma no one thought would be resolved soonest might have been and it could be a long-term solution. Ikeme will have the battle to regain the No.1 spot when he returns from injury.