Francis Uzoho delivered a commanding Man of the Match performance to inspire Omonia Nicosia to a crucial 1–0 away win over Rapid Wien in their UEFA Europa Conference League Matchday 5 clash on Thursday night.
The Nigerian shot-stopper was in sensational form at the Allianz Stadion, producing six decisive saves to secure a hard-earned clean sheet one of his finest European displays to date.
Head coach Henning Berg maintained his goalkeeping rotation, starting Uzoho for a fourth straight Conference League match ahead of Fabiano Freitas. The decision proved spot-on once more, as the 26-year-old looked sharp, vocal and assured from start to finish.
Omonia grabbed the decisive goal in the 19th minute when Angelos Neofytou reacted quickest inside the box to guide home the winner. From there, the match became a test of resilience, with Rapid Wien launching wave after wave of attacks.
The Austrian side still pointless in the competition registered 17 shots, including seven on target, but Uzoho stood firm, denying all six attempts that required his intervention. Omonia’s defence complemented his efforts with 31 clearances and 22 interceptions, repelling heavy pressure throughout.
Despite receiving a yellow card for time-wasting in the 58th minute, Uzoho remained composed as he sealed his second straight Conference League clean sheet. The victory, Omonia’s second of the campaign, lifts them to 15th overall and secures their place in the Round of 16 playoff phase.
Off the pitch, it was also a big night for the Super Eagles goalkeeper. Uzoho was named in Nigeria’s final Africa Cup of Nations squad his first call-up under coach Eric Chelle earning selection ahead of Udinese’s Maduka Okoye as deputy to first-choice Stanley Nwabali.
Iheanacho Denied on Return as Celtic Fall to Roma
Elsewhere in Rome, Kelechi Iheanacho made his long-awaited comeback from a hamstring injury as Celtic suffered a 3–0 defeat to AS Roma in their Europa League fixture.
The Nigerian forward, introduced at halftime, saw a well-taken goal chalked off for offside following a VAR review. Despite his return to action, Iheanacho was omitted from Nigeria’s final 28-man AFCON squad, ending his nine-year run of tournament appearances.
Since joining Celtic in September, Iheanacho has registered three goals and one assist but missed seven weeks through injury.
His return, however, offers Celtic a timely attacking boost heading into a congested winter schedule.
