Super Eagles GK Uzoho set for Omonia Nicosia exit as Cypriot newcomers keep plans secret

Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho could be heading for a fresh start this summer, with speculation growing over a possible switch from Omonia Nicosia to newly-promoted Cypriot top-flight side ENY Ypsona, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper has endured a frustrating spell at Omonia, where he has largely played second fiddle to Brazilian goalkeeper Fabiano.

Despite winning back-to-back Cypriot Cups in 2022 and 2023, Uzoho has made only five league appearances this season, spending most weekends watching from the bench as Pafos surged to the league title.

Uzoho first joined Omonia on loan from Deportivo La Coruña in 2019 before completing a permanent transfer in 2021. While the move initially promised regular football, the Nigerian international has struggled to hold down the number one spot.

Now, with ENY Ypsona securing promotion to the Cypriot First Division, reports suggest the Limassol-based club are keen on adding Uzoho’s experience to their ranks as they prepare for their maiden campaign among the elite.

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Super Eagles GK Uzoho set for Omonia Nicosia exit as Cypriot newcomers keep plans secret

But while the rumours are gaining pace, ENY Ypsona’s general director Dimitris Vrahimis has refused to confirm or deny interest in the former Deportivo La Coruña goalkeeper.

Speaking in a recent interview, Vrahimis explained that the club is in the process of rebuilding its squad with a budget tailored for survival in the top flight.

“Last year, we had a squad of 25–26 players,” Vrahimis said. “We know that this group can’t compete in the top division. We’ll keep 9–10 players for the new season,” he said. “The budget will be sufficient to achieve survival. We’re talking about a budget close to €3 million.”

When asked specifically about Uzoho, Vrahimis responded cautiously:

“It’s too early. I don’t want to comment.”

While refusing to be drawn into the speculation, Vrahimis outlined the club’s broader transfer approach:

“We’re interested in the Cypriot market because those players — both local and foreign — know the top division well.”

And on ENY Ypsona’s ambitions for the upcoming season, he added:

“Our goal isn’t just survival but something higher. We’re keeping expectations modest. Initially, it’s to secure survival comfortably, but long-term we want to be among the top teams.”

Born in Nwangele, Imo State, Nigeria, Francis Uzoho began his journey in football at the Aspire Academy in Senegal, switching from forward to goalkeeper at age 12 after coaches deemed him “too slow” for an outfield role.

His career took a giant leap in 2016 when he joined Deportivo de La Coruña after impressing at a youth tournament in Barcelona.

Uzoho made headlines in October 2017 when, aged just 18 years and 352 days, he made his La Liga debut in a goalless draw against Eibar. That feat made him the youngest ever foreign goalkeeper to debut in Spain’s top flight.

Internationally, Uzoho has been a vital part of the Super Eagles’ setup since his debut. He was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, played a key role in the team’s bronze-medal finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and was in the squad that finished as runners-up at AFCON 2023.

However, his lack of regular club football in recent seasons has raised concerns about his long-term future with the national team. 

A move to a club like ENY Ypsona — where he could potentially secure consistent game time — may prove vital in reigniting his career.